In this vivid demonstration of Tissot's life and art becoming extricably intertwined, the man, Tissot himself, is staring at his adored one, Kathleen Newton.  The red tartan lap rug in the foreground was a favorite prop, adding a bright accent to the scene.  This is one of two paintings of the same title in the same setting.

Waiting for the Boat at Greenwich
James J. Tissot, 1836-1902, French
Courtesy of Owen Edgar Gallery, London
Bridgeman Art Library, London
SuperStock