Collections: European Art: The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes (La multiplicité des pains)

• Download
• Add to set
• Favorite
• Posse icon
• Share
• Print

The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes (La multiplicité des pains)

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

As news of Jesus’ teachings and deeds spread, his followers grew in number. Without adequate provisions to feed them, Jesus gathers five loaves and two fishes from a young boy in this large company, and after giving thanks to God, distributes them, managing to feed all who are hungry.

Tissot offers an expansive view of the scene, one so broad that it becomes difficult to distinguish Jesus himself, at the upper right. However, this compositional strategy emphasizes the magnitude of the miracle as well as the multitude of Jesus’ followers, who fill the paths of the terraced hills.


• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1896
• Dimensions: Image: 7 3/8 x 10 9/16 in. (18.7 x 26.8 cm) Sheet: 7 3/8 x 10 9/16 in. (18.7 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: 00.159.134
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.134_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes (La multiplicité des pains), 1886-1896. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 7 3/8 x 10 9/16 in. (18.7 x 26.8 cm) Sheet: 7 3/8 x 10 9/16 in. (18.7 x 26.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.134 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.134_PS1.jpg)