1882_Prodigal_Son_in_Modern_Life_Tissot.txt

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James Tissot 1836 – 1902
The Prodigal Son in Modern Life: The Return (1882)

oil on canvas — c. 1882
National Gallery of Art, Washington DC

This work is linked to Luke 15:21

Tissot placed the story of the prodigal son returning to his father in a contemporary context. The son has just arrived by ship in a port, where his father awaits him.

Perhaps Tissot was inspired by this depiction of the story by Rembrandt. Here too the bystanders look on in silence, impressed by the scene.

Tissot lived in London when he made this painting. He enjoyed spending time in the Port of London and often used it as a setting for his work.

James Tissot biography

James Tissot

1836 - 1902

French painter and graphic artist, born in Nantes as Joseph-Jacques Tissot. After a period of portraying historical costumes he dedicates himself to depicting everyday life in 1864. For his portraits he develops a taste for sophisticated women and in particular their clothes.

In 1871 Tissot leaves for London where he pursues his career to great success. After the death of his mistress in 1882 he returns to France where he dedicates himself to religious tableaux, beginning in 1888 and for which he undertakes two journeys to the Promised Land (in 1886-87 and in 1889).

Both his costume pieces and his religious work are popular, although critics at the time deem the oriental atmosphere of his religious work too little evangelical.