Portrait of M. B. 1876

James Tissot rendered this portrait of M. B. with graphite on paper. The image offers insight into the conventions of portraiture in the late 19th century. Note the sitter’s averted gaze, a strategy which speaks to then contemporary ideals of feminine modesty, a virtue often expected of women in Western societies. Looking at the image, we might ask, who was M. B. and what was her relationship to Tissot? In 19th-century France, the Salon system played a vital role in shaping artistic careers and public taste. Artists like Tissot navigated this institutional landscape, seeking recognition and patronage through exhibitions. How might M. B. have factored into Tissot’s professional trajectory? By consulting historical records, such as letters, exhibition catalogs, and biographical accounts, we can begin to reconstruct the social world in which this portrait was created, gaining a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance.