James Tissot: Fashion & Faith

A wonderful exhibit of rarely exhibited works by James Tissot is at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco until February 9, 2020.

Originally from France, Tissot settled in London at Whistler’s recommendation in 1871, where he made a successful career catering to the tastes of rich industrialists. His lover and muse, Kathleen Newton, figure prominently in the works of this time. After her untimely death he returned to France and continued his modern day subjects and later religious subjects.

The exhibit follows his early Medieval paintings and fashion portraits to his London Thames-themed works and finally his return to France and his Biblical scenes.

He was also influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites. Most notably by Millais’s (Spring) Apple Blossoms (right) which he echoed in his own Spring – Le Printemps (Left)