En el Louvre 1883 - 1885

James Tissot likely made this oil painting during one of his many visits to the Louvre. Notice the ornate vase and its plinth in the foreground, with a woman seated beside it. Tissot painted this with great attention to detail, capturing the texture and weight of the stone. Consider the skilled labor involved in carving such elaborate decorations, and the social context of art production at the time. The Louvre was not just a museum, but also a symbol of French power and cultural heritage. In the background, you see another artist working, and a glimpse of the Louvre's architecture. Tissot is thus asking us to consider the value of art, and the role of artists in society, questioning the relationship between fine art and craft, and the amount of work involved in their production.