Collections: European Art: The Tribute Money (Le denier de César)

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The Tribute Money (Le denier de César)

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

Jesus is being watched carefully by the priests and scribes, who hope to have him arrested as a threat to Roman rule. Asked whether tribute should be paid to Rome, Jesus points to a coin inscribed with the likeness of the emperor and raises another hand to the sky, saying, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.”

Distinguishing between terrestrial and divine authority, Jesus evades the trap as his hostile audience crowds around him, intently listening to his response. The image visually parallels the much earlier scene Jesus Among the Doctors in the Holy Childhood, though the priests’ early wonder at his precocious wisdom has now turned to frustration and mistrust.


• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1894
• Dimensions: Image: 7 5/8 x 10 7/16 in. (19.4 x 26.5 cm) Sheet: 7 5/8 x 10 7/16 in. (19.4 x 26.5 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: 00.159.206
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.206_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). The Tribute Money (Le denier de César), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 7 5/8 x 10 7/16 in. (19.4 x 26.5 cm) Sheet: 7 5/8 x 10 7/16 in. (19.4 x 26.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.206 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.206_PS1.jpg)