The artwork “Reading a Book,” crafted by the artist James Tissot, is an oil painting on canvas that falls within the Realism art movement. It is classified as a genre painting and is part of a private collection.
In the artwork, a young woman is depicted seated and engrossed in reading a book. She is adorned in a meticulously detailed white ensemble, featuring flowing sleeves and a high collar, indicative of period attire. A large, elaborate bonnet with black ribbons enhances the elegance of her attire. The setting is seemingly domestic, with soft natural light filtering in through the window behind her, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere. The woman’s absorbed expression captures a moment of quiet contemplation and introspection, characteristic of genre painting and Realism.
