La Soeur Ainée. The Elder Sister. by James J. J. Tissot, 1836-1902

James J. J. Tissot, 1836-1902
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La Soeur Ainée. The Elder Sister.

Original etching with drypoint in soft black ink. 1881. Signed in pencil. Signed with the artist's red monogram stamp. Signed and dated in the plate. Rare impression from the first edition of c.100 printed by Goulding in London, 1881. There was a second issue of c.200 impressions printed by Delâtre in Paris, 1882/83.
Ref: Wentworth - Tissot Prints no 53. Tissot's catalogue 53.

Absolutely brilliant first issue impression with sparkling tonal contrasts. On medium weight hollande paper. Exceptionally fine fresh condition. Full margins. Sheet: 14 3/4 x 9 1/4 ins. Plate: 11 3/8 x 6ins. (289x252mm).

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An exceptionally fine and brilliant early impression.

This composition dates from the period at the very beginning of the 1880's when Tissot was starting to use photography as a means of fixing his compositions. He would pose his models, usually as here in the garden of his house, and then have a photograph taken. He then used the photograph to compose a picture. This composition is derived from a known photograph of Kathleen Newton with her sister's daughter Lilian Hervey on the steps leading to Tissot's conservatory. Tissot's working methods at this time are known through Lilian Hervey's personal memories and she inherited many of the relevant photographs.

Although this composition is entitled 'The Elder Sister' Lilian was in fact Kathleen's niece. However as Kathleen became more and more weak and unwell Lilian was a constant companion to her and they became like sisters. Also the concept of the reliance of a young child on an elder sister was one which appealed to Victorian values.