Le Croquet. Croquet. by James J. J. Tissot, 1836-1902

James J. J. Tissot, 1836-1902
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Le Croquet. Croquet.

Original etching with drypoint in brown-black ink. 1878. Signed in pencil. Signed with the artist's red monogram stamp. Signed and dated in the plate. A rare japan paper proof for the first edition of c.100 impressions, printed at Goulding's studio, London 1878. There was a second printing of c.200 impressions at Delātre's studio in Paris c.1882/3.
Ref: Wentworth - Tissot Prints no 37. Tissot's catalogue 33

Extremely fine and richly contrasted impression in an unusual brown-black ink. On cream light laid hollande paper. Excellent original condition; short tear in the outer left margin repaired. Full (?) margins. Sheet:16 7/8 x 13 3/8ins. Plate: 12 x 7 1/8ins ( 305x180mm).

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'Croquet' is a beautiful composition which at the same time illustrates two important aspects of Tissot's art. Firstly, his interest in Japanese compositional treatment. Like many of his artist contemporaries, Tissot had been deeply affected by seeing Japanese prints at the 'Exposition Universelle' in Paris. He adopted many tricks of composition inspired by the prints, such as the cut off forms, layered areas of space and contrasts of solid and open form - for instance the girl's dress against the grass - seen here.

Perhaps even more interesting is the insight into Tissot's secret world with Kathleen Newton at his house in St. John's Wood in London (see no 3 in this catalogue). In 'Le Croquet' we can see into the garden, into the sunlight beyond the shadow of the tree, we are even almost invited into it by the girl's expression, but at the same time our way is barred, - by the tree, by the pose of the girl and the croquet mallet, and by the items piled at our feet below the tree, the dog, the ball, the flowerpots. It is as if we can look in, but that he does not want us to enter and spoil its magic atmosphere.