Collections: European Art: Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Martha at Bethany (Jésus à Bethanie, Marie, Madeleine et Marthe)

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

Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Martha at Bethany (Jésus à Bethanie, Marie, Madeleine et Marthe)

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

Invited to Bethany, where the siblings Lazarus and Martha reside, Jesus finds respite from his ministry and peace to converse with friends. Intent on listening to Jesus, the Magdalene takes a place at his feet—much to the frustration of Martha, who expects her help with the guests, Tissot relates. The Magdalene’s devoted discipleship proves unflagging throughout the narrative from the ministry to the Passion and the Resurrection; and, accordingly, her posture here at the feet of Christ finds echoes in later episodes.


• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1894
• Dimensions: Image: 7 15/16 x 11 3/16 in. (20.2 x 28.4 cm) Sheet: 7 15/16 x 11 3/16 in. (20.2 x 28.4 cm)
• Signature: Signed bottom left on tree trunk: "J.J. Tissot"
• Collections: European Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Robert E. Blum Gallery, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 00.159.162
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.162_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Martha at Bethany (Jésus à Bethanie, Marie, Madeleine et Marthe), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 7 15/16 x 11 3/16 in. (20.2 x 28.4 cm) Sheet: 7 15/16 x 11 3/16 in. (20.2 x 28.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.162 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.162_PS2.jpg)