“Jew and Jewess,” an illustration from “The Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ,” by James Tissot, is a pen and ink artwork on paper, characterized by dimensions of 17.9 x 12.1 cm. Created within the Realism art movement, this piece falls under the genre of sketch and study. Currently housed in the Brooklyn Museum in New York City, NY, US, this artwork depicts a detailed and expressive representation of two figures, illustrating Tissot’s meticulous observation and rendering skills common to the Realism movement.
The artwork features a male and a female figure, both adorned in traditional attire. The male, bearded and wearing a head covering, gazes intently toward his companion, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation. The female figure, shrouded in a veil, appears engaged in conversation, embodying a lifelike expression that captures a moment of candid interaction. The pen and ink technique skillfully employed by Tissot highlights delicate lines and textures, bringing forth a vivid sense of realism and character in the portrayal of these individuals.
