La Soeur Ainée c. 1880s

"La Soeur Ainée" (The Elder Sister) is a painting by James Tissot, a prominent Victorian era artist known for his portrayal of fashionable society. This watercolor artwork captures a domestic scene of an elder sister, clad in an elaborate gown, sitting on a staircase and holding a book, while a younger sister sits on her lap. The lush greenery surrounding the sisters hints at a sun-drenched garden setting, adding to the sense of quiet intimacy. Tissot's meticulous detail and realistic depiction of the figures and setting contribute to the captivating charm of this painting.