![James Tissot - The Artists’ Wives [1885]](http://c1.staticflickr.com/1/329/30874300584_33bb2c49d3_b.jpg)
This oil on canvas painting depicts an outdoor scene/restaurant where artists and their wives have gathered, celebrating "le vernissage," or Vanishing Day. This day is on the eve of the official opening of the Salon; participating artists traditionally gathered to view the exhibition privately and put a final coat of protective varnish on the paintings. One of the wives, in a Maroon print dress, looks directly at the viewer.
[Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia - Oil on canvas, 146.1 x 101.6 cm]