Artist Edgar Degas painted a portrait of his fellow painter and friend James Tissot circa 1867-68 in Paris, France. The painting is now known as “Portrait of James Tissot” and measures approximately 59 by 44 inches. It can be found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
In the painting, Tissot is depicted in his studio with a painting behind him that pays tribute to Renaissance art. The genre portrait is an example of Realism, which was popular during the time it was created. This movement aimed to depict ordinary people and real-life situations realistically, portraying them just as they were.
Tissot studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and exhibited alongside Degas at the Paris Salon. The two artists shared a close friendship, which may have been why Degas chose to create this particular portrait. Despite being a realistic representation of Tissot, Degas showcased his artistic flair through the use of light and shadow in the painting.
Overall, “Portrait of James Tissot” provides insight into two prominent French painters from the late nineteenth century and their relationship with each other as well as their chosen profession.
