Ordaining of the Twelve Apostles 1894

James Tissot's "Ordaining of the Twelve Apostles" was made with watercolor and gouache over graphite on paper. The fluid materiality of watercolor allows for dynamic and luminous washes. Tissot uses the soft, translucent quality of the medium to define the robes of the figures and the distant landscape. Gouache adds opacity, bringing the figures into focus. The effect is an ethereal image of the biblical scene. In the late 19th century, watercolor was gaining popularity among artists. Tissot's choice reflects a broader trend to democratize fine art. Watercolor and gouache became accessible, challenging traditional hierarchies within the art world. Materials, methods, and context are crucial to understanding the full meaning of an artwork. This approach challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, inviting you to see the connections between art and the world around it.