A Civic Procession Descending Ludgate Hill, London

In this painting, we see three seated figures in a carriage with several men carrying flags behind, at the far end the Household Guard can be recognised. Numerous flags and standards occupy the background and a great part of the scene. The well-dressed figures show red and white badges on their hats or laps but there’s no information, documentation or letters on the procession depicted. The painting was formerly called ‘The Lord Mayor’s Show’, but the subject matter is currently uncertain. James Tissot worked on this painting when he was living at 17 Grove End Road, St. John’s Wood.
James Tissot was a French illustrator, printmaker and painter. He also contributed political caricatures to the renowned Vanity Fair. He painted for the French upper class before seeking refuge to London in 1871, in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian war and the fall of the Paris Commune. He ceased exhibiting in the Salon in 1870 and declined Degas’ invitation to join the Impressionists exhibitions. He rebuilt his career in England painting captivating scenes of the Victorian society. He spent his last years in France depicting aristocratic women and occasionally travelling to the Holy Land for his series of illustrations of the Bible.