Three of David’s Captains c. 1896 - 1902

James Tissot painted these Three of David’s Captains using watercolor and gouache, employing washes of color to create a sense of depth and texture. But it’s the material culture on display here that really grabs attention. Look closely, and you’ll see that each figure is adorned with distinct clothing and weaponry. Raw animal skins contrast with metal and woven textiles. Consider how the weight and texture of fur or leather evoke specific qualities of the depicted culture. The labor involved in procuring, preparing, and crafting these materials speaks volumes about the social context. Tissot invites us to contemplate the relationship between human effort, resourcefulness, and the construction of identity. This watercolour pushes against any neat division between fine art and the cultural work embedded in the making and meaning of objects.