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.
- Accession no.
- 2018.301
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.
