The artwork titled “A Passing Storm” is a genre painting by James Tissot, completed in the year 1876. Executed using oil on canvas, this piece is a product of the Realism movement and is currently housed in the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, Canada.
The artwork narrates a moment of domestic tranquility juxtaposed against the tumultuous environment outside. It features a serene interior scene with a woman reclining on a chaise lounge, draped in an elegant white dress, possibly caught amidst a daydream. The woman reposes near a window, through which the viewer can observe a bustling maritime backdrop with ships and overcast skies, indicative of an impending or receding storm. The meticulous depiction of details, from the opulence of the furnishings to the intricate play of light and shadow, exemplifies Tissot’s dedication to Realism. The serene interior coupled with the adventurous backdrop evokes a juxtaposition between the calmness within and the dynamic nature outdoors, intensifying the narrative depth of the artwork.
