Rear of the Mosque of Omar 1889

James Tissot created this drawing of the Rear of the Mosque of Omar using graphite on paper. While seemingly simple, the medium of graphite offers a wide range of possibilities, from the softest, almost imperceptible lines to areas of dense, velvety darkness. The drawing relies on this very contrast, the layering of graphite creating a sense of depth and texture. Tissot uses line to carefully render the stone walls, domes, and foliage. The marks evoke the sun-baked surfaces and organic forms he observed. Consider the implications of using drawing, a relatively accessible and portable medium. It allowed Tissot to capture his impressions directly, recording the architecture and atmosphere with precision. The repetitive, almost meditative act of drawing each line mirrors the labor invested in the Mosque itself. It is a quiet testament to the enduring presence of human effort in both art and architecture.