In coordination with the docent program from the Legion of Honor, FAL sponsored a program presented by Marsha Holm on the 19th century French artist James Tissot. While perhaps Tissot is not well known today, Holm pointed out that in his lifetime (1836-1902), he became one of the most famous artists in the world. He exhibited several works at the Paris Salon and later moved to London. His last period of painting focused on religious topics. Holm, who is noted for her storytelling skills and humor, pointed out Tissot’s tremendous talent as a realistic artist, particularly emphasizing his exquisite work in rendering the appeal of the human subjects of his paintings. All the slides she showed were from works on display at the Legion of Honor exhibition that runs through February 9, 2020.
This program concluded the docent lecture series for the year. The next art docent lecture, in connection with Black History Month, is entitled “Soul of a Nation: 1963-1983” and will take place on February 10, 2020, 6:30pm, at the Main Library.
— David Beall