Who painted The Fatted Calf?

The Fatted Calf was painted by James Jacques Joseph Tissot in 1882.

Where can I see The Fatted Calf?

The Fatted Calf is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Fatted Calf?

The Fatted Calf is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Fatted Calf?

Museum-quality prints of The Fatted Calf are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Fatted Calf

James Jacques Joseph Tissot , 1882

The Fatted Calf is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James Jacques Joseph Tissot. It dates from 1882 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower center in plate: No. IV / THE FATTED CALF: lower left in plate: J.J. Tissot / 1881 (corresponds to execution date of painting)

About this work

Overview

Created in 1882, The Fatted Calf is an etching on laid paper by the French artist James Jacques Joseph Tissot. The print depicts a convivial gathering of figures positioned around a table in an open-air setting, with a standing man appearing to address the group. The composition is framed by distant trees and a body of water, establishing a tranquil yet lively atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The scene suggests a moment of celebration or communal discussion, as participants engage around the table while the central figure gestures outward. The inclusion of natural elements such as foliage and water reinforces a sense of harmony between the human activity and its environment, emphasizing themes of fellowship and shared experience.

Technique & Style

Tissot employed the etching process on laid paper, using fine lines to render the figures and surrounding landscape. Contrasting areas of light and shadow give the foreground a pronounced three‑dimensional quality, while the darker background recedes, creating depth. The handling of tonal variation reflects a restrained approach that aligns with late‑19th‑century realist tendencies.

History & Provenance

The work was produced during a prolific period in Tissot’s career, when he explored printmaking alongside his more widely known paintings. While specific ownership records are limited, the etching has been documented in several catalogues of Tissot’s oeuvre and appears in collections that focus on 19th‑century French graphic art.