Artwork
The Hammock
The Hammock is a print by the Impressionist artist James Tissot. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Hammock is an etching by James Tissot, created from a painting of the previous year. It depicts a serene scene of a woman reclining in a hammock.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is Kathleen Newton, a British divorcee and Tissot's frequent model and companion. Her social status was unconventional for the time, potentially adding complexity to their relationship.
Technique & Style
Tissot reinterpreted his painting as an etching, a medium that experienced a resurgence of interest. The print softens details compared to the original painting, which was characterized by thick, textured brushstrokes.
Context
The scene is set in Tissot's own garden, capturing a quiet, intimate moment. Sunlight filters through leaves, creating a dappled effect on the subject's dress and surroundings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacques Joseph Tissot (French: ; 15 October 1836 – 8 August 1902), better known as James Tissot (UK: TISS-oh, US: tee-SOH), was a French painter, illustrator, and caricaturist.
