“Hide and Seek,” an artwork by James Tissot created circa 1880 to 1882, is rendered in oil on panel and falls under the Realism art movement. The artwork measures 60.3 x 75.9 cm and is classified as a genre painting.
The artwork depicts a domestic interior scene, teeming with intricate details and a warm, homely atmosphere. A young girl in the foreground, adorned in a white dress with red ribbon accents, is engaged in a crawling motion on an ornate rug, seemingly captivated by something beyond the viewer’s sight. Around her, several children are partially hidden, artistically integrated into the lush interior, partaking in the titular game of hide and seek. The room is richly decorated with animal furs, a variety of textiles, and furniture that underscore a sense of Victorian opulence. A woman, likely the children’s caretaker, is seated and absorbed in reading, adding an element of repose amid the children’s playful activity. Light streams through the partially drawn drapes, highlighting the detailed textures and layers within the scene, a testament to Tissot’s masterful execution.
