 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
'The Bridesmaid', 1883-85
by James Jacques Joseph Tissot
|
In 'La Demoiselle d’honneur'
(The Bridesmaid) a young woman in a flounced sky-blue
dress, elaborate hat and elbow-length white gloves
attracts the attention of passers-by in a busy city
street. A gentleman in a top hat with a flower in
his buttonhole shields her from the rain. Around
this intimate scene, French artist James Tissot
(1836–1902) conveys all the energy of a modern
city, such as Paris or London.
A young boy carrying what might be photographic
plates calls out, while a man carrying food and
two shop girls look on. Tall red-brick buildings
with many windows and chimneys line the street.
There are decorations and brightly coloured advertising:
a pair of large red spectacles; three hanging bells;
a green shamrock or spade on a white background.
The painting makes it easy to imagine the sounds
and smells of 19th-century city life.
Although the bridesmaid is the subject of the picture,
its real focus is the interaction between her and
the groomsman holding the umbrella. The man gazes
at the young woman as she looks into the carriage.
Their body language, and in particular their gloved
hands, suggest flirtation: not all the buttons of
her gloves are done up, while he has removed one
and the other looks set to fall off.
'The Bridesmaid' is a painting about modern life,
at a time when historical, biblical, mythical or
allegorical subject matters were popular. Born in
France, the artist lived in England for a number
of years, painting images of elegant middle-class
people enjoying their leisure time. As close observations
of British manners and customs, they were sometimes
not entirely kind. Tissot, it has been said, revealed
what often went unnoticed.
|
© Leeds Museums and galleries
(City Art Gallery) U.K./The Bridgeman Art Library.
|
|
|
|
|
