A Corner of the Haram 1889

James Tissot made this drawing with pen and ink on paper. The result is an image that’s both precise and atmospheric. Look closely, and you’ll notice the fine hatching lines Tissot used to build up shadows and textures. It’s a patient, labor-intensive process, more akin to printmaking than painting, but it gives the scene a remarkable depth. You can almost feel the rough stone underfoot and sense the stillness of the enclosed space. The choice of pen and ink reflects Tissot’s training as an academic painter, where drawing was paramount, but it also brings a certain intimacy to the image. We’re not seeing a grand, sweeping vista, but a quiet, contemplative corner. This drawing reminds us that even in the age of photography, traditional techniques still held power, offering a unique way of capturing the world and expressing the artist’s vision. The careful process and the cultural context of the Haram give the artwork a social significance that transcends mere representation.