Collections: European Art: Ordaining of the Twelve Apostles (Election des douze apôtres)

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Ordaining of the Twelve Apostles (Election des douze apôtres)

• Portfolio/Series: The Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ (La Vie de Notre-Seigneur Jésus-Christ)

Although Jesus took on several followers early in his ministry, in this painting he is shown formally ordaining twelve men to help spread his teachings. They are Peter, James Major, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the Less, Thaddeus, Peter, and Judas Iscariot.

Following the Gospel account, Tissot situates this event on a mountain, noting later that Jesus frequently withdrew to such elevated spots to be closer to God.


• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1894
• Dimensions: Image: 6 11/16 x 10 9/16 in. (17 x 26.8 cm) Sheet: 6 11/16 x 10 9/16 in. (17 x 26.8 cm)
• Signature: Signed bottom right: "J.J. Tissot"
• Collections: European Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Robert E. Blum Gallery, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 00.159.98
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.98_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2008
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Ordaining of the Twelve Apostles (Election des douze apôtres), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 6 11/16 x 10 9/16 in. (17 x 26.8 cm) Sheet: 6 11/16 x 10 9/16 in. (17 x 26.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.98 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.98_PS2.jpg)