James Jacques Joseph TissotFrench, 1836–1902At the Sea Side
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “At the Sea Side” now? Collection: The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Cleveland, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
This print is one of several works in which James Tissot represented his lover and frequent model, Kathleen Newton, near a window. Here, the young woman sits on an open sill, looking outward as if caught in a daydream. Although set in Tissot’s London home and featuring props from his studio, the image includes nautical details added by the artist to suggest a coastal location. The invented ship, lighthouse, and expansive sea visible outdoors convey a sense of longing for travel and freedom.
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Details
- Accession number
- 1974.258
In the catalog
Sources
- The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Image: The Cleveland Museum of Art — Museum open access
In the life of James Jacques Joseph Tissot
The whole life1871–1882 · Workplace
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.
