December 20, 2024 – June 29, 2025
Level 1 in Gallery 139 – 142, AGO
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) presents Tissot, Women and Time, a captivating exhibition exploring the multifaceted artistry of James Tissot (1836–1902). Known for his exquisitely detailed depictions of women in late 19th-century Paris and London, Tissot’s works offer a compelling lens through which to examine societal transformations during the Victorian and Belle Époque eras.
Running from December 20, 2024, to June 29, 2025, this exhibition is a must-see for art enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Featuring over 80 paintings, prints, and drawings, it provides a rich narrative that delves into themes of fashion, identity, social mobility, and temporality. The exhibition takes place in Galleries 139–142 on Level 1 of the AGO, a perfect setting for Tissot’s striking works that juxtapose the timeless and the fleeting.
Central to Tissot, Women and Time is the artist’s fascination with women as icons of modernity and change. Tissot’s oeuvre frequently examines how time – both literal and metaphorical – shapes the lives and roles of women. His intricate brushwork captures not only the finery of contemporary dress but also the subtle, transient moments of emotion and reflection. These works resonate with universal themes of love, loss, ambition, and resilience.
James Tissot. The Convalescent, 1872. Oil on wood, Overall: 37.5 x 45.7 cm. Art Gallery of Ontario. Gift of R.B.F. Barr, Esq., Q.C., 1966. Photo AGO. 65/28
The exhibition also highlights Tissot’s innovative techniques, including his use of Japonisme and photographic references to create his dynamic compositions. Visitors will see some of his most famous works, such as The Ball on Shipboard and Young Ladies Looking at Japanese Objects, which underscore his unique ability to blend realism with narrative depth.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Tissot, Women and Time encourages dialogue about gender and representation in art. Tissot’s portrayal of women reveals not only the societal expectations of his time but also a forward-looking exploration of individuality and agency.
Whether you’re a longtime admirer of Tissot or new to his world, this exhibition promises an enlightening journey through one of art history’s most intriguing periods. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the elegance and complexity of Tissot, Women and Time at the AGO.
Tissot, Women and Time opens Friday, December 20, 2024, at 5 p.m. for AGO Members, and to Annual Pass holders and the public on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Admission is free for all Ontarians under 25, Indigenous Peoples, AGO Members and Annual Passholders. On view through June 29, 2025, same-day tickets can be booked in person and online. For more details on how to book your tickets or to become a Member or Annual Passholder, visit ago.ca.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Best known for his paintings of fashionable figures, Tissot began his career in Paris, France. While he turned down Edgar Degas’s invitation to exhibit with the Impressionists, he shared the group’s desire to portray scenes of modern life in an innovative style. He moved to London in 1871 after fighting in the Franco-Prussian War, and became a popular painter of Victorian scenes, particularly those showing young women in typically modern moments, before returning to France in 1882.
