Spring 1878

James Tissot created this print, called Spring, using etching and drypoint. A fashionable woman stands in a natural setting, blending the themes of beauty and nature, both of which were very popular with the rising middle classes of the 19th century. Tissot was a French artist working in Britain at this time and was known for his images of fashionable society. This print reflects the culture of leisure and display that characterized the Victorian era. Note the woman's elaborate dress and the fan she holds, they were both signs of wealth and status. The composition, framing the figure within a natural setting, speaks to the growing interest in the natural sciences and outdoor leisure. Looking at fashion magazines, social commentaries, and museum records from the time helps us to understand this art as a reflection of its own time. The power of art lies in its ability to reflect and shape social values.