La Partie Carree, James J. Tissot

   I have always believed Art could stimulate a range of reactions and emotions in viewers.  It is easy to find examples the extremes of love - hate, joy - fear, but rarely down right funny!.  Today I give you La Partie Carree, also referred to as The Foursome, an oil painting by James Jacque Tissot (1836-1902).   Tissot created it in 1870, it is 47" x 57" and, I believe is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Canada, however I saw no mention of it when I searched their website.  So it's location is a mystery.
   Although this subject seems humorous to me, one author I read suggested it has a reference to the political situation in France at the time, namely the Franco-Prussian War, so another mystery.
   If you have read much of the Impressionists, you know they were shunned by the prestigious French Academy.  So, meet James Tissot, who was NOT.   Tissot was a well accepted artist during his lifetime. He lived in France and England, making his fortune creating lovely portraits of the rich and famous, most women.
  He had three basic periods of subject selection, this painting falling at the beginning of the second.  Outdoor picnics seemed to be a popular painting subject. Manet created his shocking, LeDejeuner sur l'herbe in 1863, Monet followed three years later with a painting of the same title and now Tissot joins with his interpretation.  What makes Tissot's painting unique is this obvious jovial scene.  Two couples toasting and enjoying wine and food along a river bank.  The closeness of the couples shows the great appreciation they have for one another, and the little dog.  I can almost hear their laughter and gaity as they toast and drink. I can't decide if the woman on our left has seen us intruding on their private time, or distracted by something off scene. 
   Generally the landscape colors are dark.  The river seems to indicate the sun is still high.  I believe this is a great example of studio painting, probably done from sketches done on site, and is the direct opposite of what the new Impressionists were doing.   But, still, an interesting painting, one I think, that should create a smile for you.
   Make Art a part of your day, it's a beautiful thing to do. 

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