The Taking of Jericho 1902

James Tissot made this painting, The Taking of Jericho, and you can almost feel the hot desert air and the dust kicked up by the soldiers marching in formation. I can imagine him standing before the canvas, layering pale washes of color to capture the scene's intensity and drama. The city, rendered in cool whites and grays, stands in stark contrast to the warm, earthy tones of the soldiers. It's as if the very act of painting becomes a battle, with each brushstroke advancing or retreating. The composition is really dynamic; he doesn't just show the event but lets you feel the tension and chaos. Looking at Tissot's painting makes me think about the conversations artists have across time. Each of us picks up the brush, adding our voices to the ongoing, messy, and beautiful dialogue of art. It’s a reminder that painting isn't just about answers, it's about embracing questions.