James (Jacques) Joseph Tissot (1836-1906)

This painting is from a series depicting six actors that demonstrates the influence of the artist Ernest Meissonier. The series appears to have been intended to show the diversity of comic acting life, ranging from the elegant and confident Premier Comédien, (see J. Laver, Vulgar Society: The Romantic Career of James Tissot 1836-1902, London, 1936, pl. XII) to the sad clown of the Sixième Comédien (see M. Wentworth, James Tissot, Oxford, 1984, pl. 63).

We are grateful to Krystyna Matyjaszkiewicz for her help in preparing this catalogue entry.