The Garden Bench

1871–1882 · Wirkungsort

London

c. 1880 – 1881

Kathleen falls ill with tuberculosis

Around 1880–1881 Kathleen contracted tuberculosis, and Tissot painted her sitting well wrapped outdoors, as fresh air was thought to cure. In 1877–1881 he had painted travels along the Thames, to the south coast and to Paris, but more often Kathleen reading in the garden or surrounded by children.

9 November 1882

Death of Kathleen Newton

On 9 November 1882 Kathleen Newton died in Tissot's arms, “with the ardent faith of a neophyte and the silent resignation of a saint”. Other accounts say the 28-year-old took her own life, worn out by late-stage tuberculosis. After her death Tissot returned to Paris.

1885

A vision at Saint-Sulpice

Having completed “The Woman of Paris”, in 1885 Tissot experienced a religious vision at the Church of Saint-Sulpice, returned to his Catholic faith and devoted the rest of his life to paintings of biblical events, turning from modern life to traditional narrative.

1885

“Fifteen Paintings on the Woman of Paris”

The last major exhibition of this period was the 15-painting series “The Woman of Paris” at the Galerie Sedelmeyer: unlike his London society scenes, it showed women of many classes and occupations, with the unexpected angles and framing of Japanese prints. “The Shop Girl” returned to his themes of desire and gender.