The Japanese Scroll
1873 National Gallery of Canada
About this artwork
This oil painting depicts a young woman lounging on a striped sofa while examining a long, illustrated Japanese scroll. It is a prime example of Tissot's engagement with Japonisme, a trend of interest in Japanese art and aesthetics that influenced many European artists of the late 19th century.
Did you know?
James Tissot was deeply fascinated by Japanese culture following his relocation to London, where he amassed a significant collection of Japanese art. The inclusion of the scroll not only highlights the era's obsession with exotic imports but also serves as a sophisticated compositional element that draws the viewer's eye across the canvas. The painting illustrates the intersection of Victorian domestic life and the growing global reach of artistic influences.
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The Japanese Scroll
James Tissot, 1873
