James Tissot (1836-1902), The Ambitious, Etching, Circa 1883

"L'Ambitieuse" is an etching and drypoint by James Tissot on watermarked Van Gelder laid paper. In the center, a woman in a ruffled dress stands, turned slightly to one side. Around her, a crowd of well-dressed people can be seen, at a ball or other high society festivities in Second Empire Paris. The atmosphere is that of a sophisticated social event, and the woman seems to attract all the attention with her dress and attitude. Dimensions on view: Height: 42.5 cm Width: 27.5 cm Dimensions with frame: Height: 64 cm Width: 61 cm James Tissot (1836-1902) was a French painter and printmaker best known for his detailed and elegant depictions of 19th-century high society. He began by painting historical and religious scenes, but soon turned to modern life, capturing the fashions and mores of his time.