Collection

Herod (Hérode)

James Tissot

Brooklyn Museum photograph

Object Label

Son of the brutal King Herod who had murdered the innocents of Bethlehem, Herod Antipas also ruled Judaea as one of the tetrarchs, or four kings, appointed by the Romans. After marrying Herodias, the widow of his late brother, he earned the scorn of John the Baptist. The Baptist’s outspoken condemnation of the marriage prompted Herod to imprison him.

Tissot depicts Herod in a colorful costume rich in its textiles and embroidered details, a distinct contrast to the simplicity of the Baptist’s camel-hair shirt and Jesus’ white cloak.

Just as the Baptist’s ministry heralded Jesus’ own ministry, so his encounter with Herod likewise foreshadowed Jesus’ fate.

Caption

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). Herod (Hérode), 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 6 3/16 x 3 3/16 in. (15.7 x 8.1 cm) Sheet: 6 3/16 x 3 3/16 in. (15.7 x 8.1 cm) Frame: 20 x 15 x 1 1/2 in. (50.8 x 38.1 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.130. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Herod (Hérode)

Date

1886–1894

Geography

Place made: France

Medium

Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper

Classification

Watercolor

Dimensions

Image: 6 3/16 x 3 3/16 in. (15.7 x 8.1 cm) Sheet: 6 3/16 x 3 3/16 in. (15.7 x 8.1 cm) Frame: 20 x 15 x 1 1/2 in. (50.8 x 38.1 x 3.8 cm)

Signatures

Signed bottom right: "J.J. Tissot"

Credit Line

Purchased by public subscription

Accession Number

00.159.130

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Artists and makers

James Tissot

524 works in the collection