La Galerie du 'Calcutta' - Souvenir d'un Bal à Bord. The Gallery of H.M.S Calcutta - A Memory of an on-board Ball. by James J. J. Tissot, 1836-1902

James J. J. Tissot, 1836-1902
Scroll down for information.
Click here to return to the list.

La Galerie du 'Calcutta' - Souvenir d'un Bal à Bord. The Gallery of H.M.S Calcutta - A Memory of an on-board Ball.

Original drypoint in black ink. 1876. Signed with the artist's monogram stamp in red. Signed and dated in the plate. From the only edition of c.50 impressions; 25 issued as part of the set 'Ten Etchings' and c.25 sold separately. Printed at Goulding's studio London, 1876.
Ref: Wentworth - Tissot prints no 25. Tissot's catalogue 19

Beautiful rich impression with subtle contrasts between the drypoint burr and the delicate detailing. On pale cream laid hollande-type paper. Excellent condition. With margins. Sheet: 13 1/4 x 18 1/2ins. Plate: 10 1/4 x 14 1/8. (260x360mm).

This item is sold.
Click here to enquire about this item.

With 'October' -see no 6 in this catalogue - 'The Gallery of HMS Calcutta' is Tissot's most famous and sought-after work in etching. It is an extraordinary tour-de-force of textures and surfaces, the frills and flounces of the elaborate silk ball gowns contrasting with the solid patterns of the ship's decorative ironwork and woodwork. In Tissot's etchings of the great 1876 period the intricacy of Tissot's line-work on the plate is absolutely astounding. In Goulding's studio it produced impressions which have a quite mesmerising brilliance and sparkle.

'La Galerie du Calcutta' is also one of Tissot's most evocative examples of the use of compositional arrangement to achieve an emotional and narrative effect. The counterpoint of the poses of the figures, the way that the foreground woman hides her face with her fan whilst the couple beyond seem to be making whispered comments about her, the contrasts of expression, all are used to translate this from a costume work into a constantly intriguing narrative and a commentary about social conventions.

The oil to which this etching is related is in the collection of the Tate Gallery, London.