The artwork “The Tailor, Old Testament series” by James Tissot, created circa 1896 to 1902, is executed in gouache on board. Measuring 20.5 x 14.1 cm, this piece exemplifies the Realism art movement and falls under the genre of genre painting. It is housed at the Jewish Museum in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork depicts a solitary tailor engrossed in his work, set against a modest interior backdrop. The tailor is positioned centrally, engaged in cutting a piece of fabric with careful precision. The scene is framed by a window on the right, through which light filters in, softly illuminating the room. The window and surrounding architectural elements suggest a home or workshop setting. A Star of David is visible on the wall, providing cultural and historical context. The high level of detail captured by Tissot, from the texture of the fabric to the expression of concentration on the tailor’s face, showcases the artist’s dedication to the Realism movement.
