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In Full Sunlight (En plein soleil)

ca. 1881
Not on view

Cascading sunlight illuminates the colorful open parasol and beribboned hats of the group lounging on the grass. This idyllic scene was inspired by Tissot’s private life in Victorian London, which was rather improper by the standards of polite British society. At the left is Kathleen Newton, who lived out of wedlock with Tissot as his companion and model. Her free-spirited romantic life resulted in two children, Muriel (lying beside her) and Cecil (standing by the wall). The setting is likely Tissot’s garden in Saint John’s Wood, where the French painter lived from 1871 until Kathleen’s death in 1882.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: In Full Sunlight (En plein soleil)
  • Artist: James Tissot (French, Nantes 1836–1902 Chenecey-Buillon)
  • Date: ca. 1881
  • Medium: Oil on wood
  • Dimensions: 9 3/4 x 13 7/8 in. (24.8 x 35.2 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2006
  • Object Number: 2006.278
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

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A Winter's Walk, James Tissot French, Etching and drypoint on laid paper; first state of three
A Winter's Walk
James Tissot
1880
Morning, James Tissot French, Mezzotint on wove paper; trial proof
Morning
James Tissot
1886
Ramsgate, James Tissot French, Drypoint on laid paper
Ramsgate
James Tissot
1876
Le Petit Nemrod
James Tissot
19th century
The Three Crows Inn, Gravesend, James Tissot French, Etching on laid paper; first state of three
The Three Crows Inn, Gravesend
James Tissot
1877

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