the collector's folio

James Tissot Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by James Tissot our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide James Tissot · 1836 – 1902

An Interesting Story

1872 · National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

Delve into Victorian social life with James Jacques Joseph Tissot's 'An Interesting Story,' capturing a moment of conversation and elegance at a lakeside restaurant. Explore the painting’s composition, attire, and artistic significance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17535 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

October

1878 · original 53 x 116 cm

Capture the Impressionist mood of Tissot's October (1878) with its elegant woman in black against warm yellow leaves; discover this Parisian masterpiece reproduction today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$32753 × 116 cm Commission at original size

Self Portrait

Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, San Francisco

James Tissot's 'Self Portrait' captures the artist in his studio, reflecting Victorian society and his unique blend of realism & Japonisme. Explore this iconic work’s details & artistic influences.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17524 × 41 cm Commission this artwork

Tissot Twotimer

1992 · The Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb · original 3 x 2 cm

Captured in meticulous detail, this miniature Tissot watch embodies Impressionistic elegance. Artist Jacques Joseph Tissot’s 1892 creation showcases a striking red band against a classic black dial, reflecting the refined aesthetic of the Belle Époque.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17531 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

young lady in a boat

A serene young woman in a pink dress enjoys a peaceful boat ride with her dog in this exquisite 1870 oil painting by Victorian master James Tissot, inviting you to bring this elegant moment of tranquility into your home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Hide and Seek

1880 · National Gallery of Art, Washington

A tender glimpse into Victorian domestic warmth unfolds in James Jacques Joseph Tissot's Hide and Seek, where masterful realism meets soft light to invite you to experience this timeless moment of familial intimacy.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

English Women of Paris The Circus Lover

1885 · original 147 x 102 cm

A vibrant circus scene capturing the lively energy of Belle Époque Paris, this exquisite painting by James Jacques Joseph Tissot invites you to bring a touch of Victorian elegance and historical charm into your home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$584102 × 147 cm Commission at original size

Holyday

Admire James Tissot’s ‘Holyday’! A stunning 1876 Impressionist painting of Victorian society & leisure. Rich detail, dappled light, & elegant figures – a timeless masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$27535 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Captain Frederick Gustavus Burnaby

1870 · National Portrait Gallery, London

Admire Tissot's 'Captain Frederick Gustavus Burnaby,' a captivating 1870 portrait showcasing Victorian elegance & military detail. Explore Realism at the National Portrait Gallery.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17535 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Holiday (also known as The Picnic)

1876 · Tate Gallery, London

Experience Tissot's 'Holiday (The Picnic,' 1876) – a captivating oil painting depicting Parisian leisure & elegance at the Tate Gallery. Explore Impressionism!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$30036 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Mlle. L.L. (Young Lady in a Red Jacket)

1864 · original 100 x 124 cm

A striking red jacket defines this elegant 1864 portrait by Jacques Joseph Tissot that captures the refined sophistication of the Belle Époque, inviting you to bring this masterpiece of Parisian realism into your home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$509100 × 124 cm Commission at original size

Beating the Retreat in the Tuileries Gardens

A captivating black and white scene of a gathering around a classical statue by Jacques Joseph Tissot captures the elegance of the Belle Époque era, inviting you to bring this timeless moment into your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

English An Interesting Story

1872 · The Ian Potter Centre - Ngv Australia, Melbourne · original 60 x 77 cm

Admire James Tissot's masterpiece 'An Interesting Story,' a captivating Victorian tavern scene rendered with meticulous detail and vibrant color—a timeless testament to Impressionistic artistry.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17535 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$28277 × 60 cm Commission at original size

The Gallery of the H.M.S. Calcutta

1877 · Tate Gallery, London

Admire James Jacques Joseph Tissot's masterpiece, 'The Gallery of the H.M.S. Calcutta,' depicting three women enjoying leisure on a Victorian boat deck at Tate Britain. Explore his meticulous technique and captivating portrayal of daily life.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The Sporting Ladies (also known as The Amateur Circus)

1883 · Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Experience 'The Sporting Ladies' by James Tissot! This vibrant 1883 oil painting captures a lively circus scene with detailed figures and rich colors, now available as a beautiful reproduction.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Portsmouth Dockyard (also known as How Happy I Could be with Either)

1877 · Tate Gallery, London

James Tissot's "Portsmouth Dockyard" captures a lively scene of Victorian life at the naval dockyard, showcasing figures amidst ships and bustling activity – a captivating glimpse into 1877 London.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The Last Evening

1873 · Guildhall Art Gallery - London's Roman Amphitheatre, London · original 72 x 103 cm

A mesmerizing tableau of Belle Époque elegance, Tissot’s The Last Evening captures a refined gathering aboard a yacht with masterful realism and subtle Impressionist touches, inviting you to bring this timeless era home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$364103 × 72 cm Commission at original size

The Prodigal Son in Modern Life: the Return

1882

James Jacques Joseph Tissot’s "The Prodigal Son in Modern Life: the Return" (1882) captures a poignant reunion with realistic detail and vibrant oil on canvas, reimagining a timeless biblical tale. Discover this captivating masterpiece and its exquisite hand-painted reproduction.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The Prodigal Son in Modern Life: in Foreign Climes

1882

Explore James Tissot’s ‘The Prodigal Son in Modern Life’! A lavish 1882 oil painting blending biblical themes & Victorian society. Discover its detailed realism & Japonisme influence.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$37537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Mademoiselle L. L. (also known as Young Woman in a Red Jacket)

1864 · Musée d'Orsay, Paris

Admire James Tissot’s ‘Portrait of Mademoiselle L.’ – a stunning 1864 oil painting capturing Belle Époque elegance. Explore its realism & refined details at the Musée d'Orsay.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Gentleman In A Railway Carriage

1872 · Worcester Art Museum, Worcester

Admire James Tissot's "Gentleman In A Railway Carriage" (1872), a Victorian masterpiece capturing elegance and detail. Explore realism, Japonisme influences & discover this iconic painting at ArtsDot.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Miss Lloye

1876 · Tate Gallery, London

Admire James Tissot's 'Portrait of Miss Lloyd,' a captivating Victorian painting showcasing elegant fashion & social life. A masterpiece of realism and detail, capturing Belle Époque charm.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

The Prodigal Son in Modern Life: The Departure

1880 · original 130 x 100 cm

James Jacques Joseph Tissot’s ‘The Prodigal Son in Modern Life: The Departure’ captures a poignant moment of familial tension with its realistic style and detailed depiction of a 1880s gathering. Explore this iconic oil painting by the French artist and discover its timeless themes.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$526130 × 100 cm Commission at original size

Young Ladies Looking at Japanese Objects

1869

Two elegantly dressed women admire exquisite Japanese objects in this refined 1869 portrait by Jacques Joseph Tissot, inviting you to experience the sophisticated charm of nineteenth-century Paris in your own home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Tissot F1

1977 · The Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb · original 4 x 3 cm

Discover 'Tissot F1,' a stunning vintage Tissot watch painting by Jacques Joseph Tissot. Capturing Belle Époque elegance, this detailed artwork showcases precision engineering & Swiss craftsmanship.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 594 artworks by James Tissot
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17532 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

James Tissot

1836 – 1902

Quick facts

Corpus themesbelle époque society, japonisme influence, victorian society, realism, genre painting focus
Copyright statusPublic domain
Vibeelegant
Also known asJacques Joseph Tissot, James Jacques Joseph Tissot, J. J. Tissot, Tissot, J. James Tissot
Museums on APSMusée d'Orsay, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, National Gallery of Victoria, National Portrait Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery
Born1836, Nantes, France
Gift suitabilityanniversary
Works on APS594

Biography

Early Life, Family and Artistic Training

Born in 1836 in the port city of Nantes, France, Jacques Joseph Tissot was the son of a family deeply connected to the textures and aesthetics of commerce. His father, Marcel Tissot, found success as a drapery merchant, a profession that likely introduced the young boy to the tactile world of fine fabrics. His mother, Marie Durand, worked as a milliner, and through her, the nuances of fashion and the delicate art of millinery entered his early perception. This domestic environment, filled with the materials of dress and the precision of trade, provided a foundation for the keen eye he would later bring to his canvases.

The pull toward a life of creation led him away from the family business and toward the heart of French art. Around 1854, he moved to Paris to begin his formal training at the École des Beaux-Arts. It was here that his raw talent met the discipline of the academy. He sought instruction from several masters, absorbing the classical traditions taught by Louis Lamothe and Hippolyte Flandrin. His education was further shaped by the rigorous methods of Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres and Alexandre Cabanel, whose influence helped him develop a command over form and detail that would define his early years in the capital.

The Parisian Years and Social Success

By the age of twenty, around 1856, the young man left his home to seek his fortune in Paris. It was here, amidst the bustling energy of the city, that he began to adopt the Anglicized name "James," a choice that hinted at his growing interest in the wider European culture. He sought out the finest instruction at the École des Beaux-Arts, studying under the guidance of Louis Lamothe and Hippolyte Flandrin. These years of disciplined study were not merely about technique; they were about learning to see the world through a lens of precision and elegance.

His arrival in the official art circles was marked by a significant debut at the Paris Salon in 1861. This unveiling of his work brought him immediate recognition, and he soon became a celebrated painter of the Belle Époque. He possessed a particular talent for documenting the glittering social life of the era. His canvases frequently captured the movement and fashion of theaters, opera houses, and the grand, fashionable gatherings that defined the period. He did not merely paint people; he painted the very atmosphere of Parisian high society.

The Meeting of Faust and Marguerite (1861)

Life and Work in London

The upheaval of the Franco-Prussian War forced a change in Tissot's life, leading him to relocate to London in 1871. He would remain in the English capital for over a decade, until 1882. This period of exile became a time of significant technical expansion. While in London, he was introduced to the drypoint etching technique by Seymour Hayden, a skill that allowed him to explore the nuances of line and shadow with newfound precision. He found a steady place within the social fabric of the city, painting highly finished scenes of London society that captured the manners and fashions of the era. These works were met with immediate success among the public, even if they did not always find favor with the more rigid critics of the day.

Beyond the crowded rooms of the social elite, Tissot found a different kind of inspiration in the landscape of the Thames. His paintings of the river possess a particular atmosphere, capturing the light and movement of the water in a way that feels deeply connected to the spirit of the place. He often returned to the motifs of his youth, incorporating ships and boats into his compositions, perhaps a lingering memory of his father's trade in Nantes. His time in London was marked by this duality: the meticulous observation of high-society manners and a more atmospheric engagement with the natural world.

Too Early (about 1876)

The Influence of Kathleen Newton

In 1876, a woman named Kathleen Newton entered Tissot's life, bringing with her a history that challenged the rigid social codes of the era. An Irish divorcee, she became his mistress, and their connection grew so profound that she became the central figure in his private world. Her presence was not merely a personal matter but a visual one; she appeared in over 35 of his etchings and paintings, her likeness serving as a constant companion to his creative hand. Through her, the artist found a muse who would dominate both his domestic life and his artistic output.

The tragedy of her death in 1882 left Tissot devastated, a loss that seemed to fracture his very sense of reality. The void left by Kathleen was so immense that he sought to bridge the gap between the living and the dead. He turned frequently to spiritualism, hoping to find a way to communicate with her through séances. This period of mourning and searching for her spirit marked a profound shift in his temperament and his focus, as the man who once painted the glittering socialites of London began to look toward more spiritual and religious concerns.

Religious Works and Biblical Narratives

A profound shift occurred in Tissot's life after he experienced a religious vision while inside a church in Paris. This spiritual encounter redirected his focus away from the fashionable socialites of London and toward the sacred narratives of the New Testament. Driven by this new purpose, he embarked on an ambitious project to illustrate the life of Christ, seeking to bring the scriptures to life through his brush. He did not rely solely on imagination or tradition; instead, he sought a deeper truth through direct experience. He made expeditions to the Holy Land in 1886-87 and again in 1889 to observe the landscapes and customs of the region firsthand.

This commitment to archaeological exactitude defined his approach to the divine. Rather than dressing his biblical figures in the anachronistic finery of the nineteenth century, he painted them in costumes he believed to be historically authentic. He studied the architecture and the people of the Middle East to ensure his depictions carried a sense of reality. This disciplined method resulted in a massive undertaking: he completed 365 illustrations for the Life of Christ. These works, which were presented in Paris in 1894, moved many who saw them, as they replaced stylized religious tropes with a sense of tangible, historical presence.

Pharaoh and His Dead Son (1902)
The Egyptians Are Destroyed (1902)

Technique, Style and Japonisme

His hand moved with a precision that spoke of his upbringing among fine textiles, a skill that allowed him to render the textures of silk and lace with remarkable clarity. He achieved a luminous quality in his oils by layering thin glazes, a method that gave his subjects a soft, glowing presence. This technical discipline was not limited to the brush; he also mastered the mezzotint engraving technique, expanding his ability to capture light and shadow through printmaking. His work often sat at a crossroads, blending the structured foundations of academic tradition with the emerging sensibilities of Impressionism and the directness of realism.

A profound curiosity for the East drew him toward the aesthetics of Japonisme, a fascination that permeated much of his composition. He did not merely collect Japanese objects but integrated their essence into his visual language, employing asymmetrical arrangements and bold, flattened perspectives. This influence allowed him to experiment with decorative patterns and spatial harmonies that broke away from the rigid rules of his early training. In his depictions of high society, this stylistic fusion helped him capture the modern spirit of the era, balancing the meticulous detail of a portraitist with a more contemporary, fluid approach to light and form.

Legacy and Where to See His Works

Though his later years were consumed by a profound devotion to religious subjects, it is his depictions of Victorian life that remain his most significant contribution to the art of the nineteenth century. These scenes of social interaction and fashion capture a specific era of human behavior and elegance that continues to draw the eye of the historian and the admirer alike. His ability to render the textures of high society ensures that his presence is still felt in the great halls of the world's most respected institutions.

Those who wish to encounter his brushwork in person may find his works preserved in several major collections. In Paris, the Musée d'Orsay holds his paintings, offering a glimpse into the stylistic evolution he underwent. His reach extends across the Atlantic, where the Brooklyn Museum and the National Gallery of Art in Washington maintain his works within their permanent holdings. In Los Angeles, the J. Paul Getty Museum also preserves his artistic output, allowing his vision to persist through the ages.

Portrait of Mademoiselle L. L. (also known as Young Woman in a Red Jacket) - Musée d'Orsay, Paris
An Interesting Story - National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Hide and Seek - National Gallery of Art, Washington
Pharaoh and His Dead Son - The Jewish Museum, New York City

Questions & Answers

Where can I see James Tissot's artworks in chronological order?

The artist's Artwork Timeline page presents James Tissot's works ordered by date, year by year.

What are the birth city and country of James Tissot?

James Tissot was born in Nantes, in France.

Where can I see all artworks by James Tissot?

Every work by James Tissot on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Oct. 15, 2026

Collector's quiz

In which city was Jacques Joseph Tissot born?
Which institution did Tissot attend to hone his skills in Paris?
Which series of paintings depicted the demi-mondaine world of late Victorian London?
Who was the person whose death in 1882 deeply affected Tissot's creative output?
Which artistic movement's aesthetics were evident in Tissot's work through asymmetrical arrangements and subtle color harmonies?

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