Tissot L-Auberge des Trois Corbeaux Jacques Joseph Tissot (1836-1902)

The drawing presents a scene centered around a weathered structure that appears to be a tavern or inn, situated on stilts over water. A woman stands prominently in the foreground, leaning against the railing and gazing out towards a distant landscape visible through the supporting beams of the building. Her posture suggests a contemplative mood, perhaps tinged with melancholy. She is dressed in simple, dark clothing, indicative of a working-class status.
To her right, a man sits on a crate or bench within the structure’s interior. He has a beard and wears a cap, his expression unreadable but conveying an air of weariness or resignation. A young child stands near him, also dressed plainly, looking towards the woman with an uncertain gaze. The composition creates a sense of familial connection, yet there is a distance between them, emphasized by their separate postures and lines of sight.
The architectural details are rendered with meticulous precision, highlighting the rough-hewn timbers and the precariousness of the building’s elevated position. This construction method suggests a remote location, possibly rural or coastal. The water below reflects the sky, contributing to an overall atmosphere of quiet solitude.
A scroll is affixed to the railing, bearing text that references Ten Etchings and a name – seemingly the artists signature. Its presence introduces a meta-narrative element; it acknowledges the work as a reproduction or study, blurring the lines between observation and artistic creation. The inclusion of this promotional material suggests an intended audience beyond immediate viewers, hinting at a wider circulation and commercial purpose for the image.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette reinforces its somber tone, while the intricate cross-hatching technique creates depth and texture, lending a sense of realism to the scene. Overall, the work evokes themes of rural life, social class, and perhaps, the passage of time and the quiet dignity of ordinary people.