23. James-Joseph-Jacques Tissot
(1836-1902)
Le Matin

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Tissot, Le Matin

Le Matin

Mezzotint, 1886, 486 x 263 mm., Wentworth 82 i/ii, Tissot 87, Béraldi 73. Fine impression of the first published state, before the letters, on strong wove paper with large margins; a few dots of foxing in the margins and some stains verso. There were 250 impressions of the first state and at least 400 of the second, after which the plate was cancelled. Apart from his literary illustrations, the majority of Tissot’s prints were translations of his paintings and pastels. Although a painting of this subject has never been found, there apparently is a watercolor sketch that presupposes its existence. Tissot’s images are theatrical, but he rarely falls over the edge of actually trying to tell you what the play is about.