1862_Return_of_Prodigal_Son_Tissot.txt

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James Tissot 1836 – 1902
The Return of the Prodigal Son (1862)

oil on canvas — 1862
private collection

This work is linked to Luke 15:21

The story of the prodigal son is depicted here in Paris. The city still looks medieval, so it must have been in a neighborhood not yet touched by Hausmann's urban renovation plans.

The son has spent all his money and now returns to his father, almost without any clothes left. The father welcomes him, without saying a word about his sins.

This painting shows Tissot's sense of detail. He made another version in 1882, set against the port of London.

James Tissot biography

James Tissot

1836 - 1902

French painter and graphic artist, born in Nantes as Joseph-Jacques Tissot. After a period of portraying historical costumes he dedicates himself to depicting everyday life in 1864. For his portraits he develops a taste for sophisticated women and in particular their clothes.

In 1871 Tissot leaves for London where he pursues his career to great success. After the death of his mistress in 1882 he returns to France where he dedicates himself to religious tableaux, beginning in 1888 and for which he undertakes two journeys to the Promised Land (in 1886-87 and in 1889).

Both his costume pieces and his religious work are popular, although critics at the time deem the oriental atmosphere of his religious work too little evangelical.