Collections: European Art: The Grotto of the Agony (La Grotte de l'agonie)

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The Grotto of the Agony (La Grotte de l'agonie)

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

Following the Last Supper, Jesus and the apostles retreat to Gethsemane (an olive grove) on the Mount of Olives. While his disciples rest, Christ prays alone, asking God if it is possible to let his sufferings pass him by, yet reaffirming his commitment to submit to God’s will. Luke writes that an angel comes to strengthen him, though in his anguish Jesus sweats blood, a graphic detail that, unusually, Tissot omits.

While Luke’s account says that Christ receives comfort from the angel, Tissot’s image seems to promise little solace and, indeed, is profoundly different in tone from the earlier watercolor The Angels Came and Ministered to Him. While one angel holds a chalice—the cup of Jesus’ suffering—the others proffer globes with scenes of the Passion to come, including Veronica’s veil, the Crucifixion, and the lamentation of the Virgin Mary.

After his tormented prayer to God, Jesus comes back to his apostles, only to find them asleep (note that Peter’s weapons are cast to one side). Awakening his followers, he rebukes them, urges their vigilance against temptation, and returns to his prayers.


This text refers to these objects: 00.159.231; 00.159.232

• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on dark brown wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1894
• Dimensions: Image: 11 1/16 x 14 7/16 in. (28.1 x 36.7 cm) Sheet: 11 1/16 x 14 7/16 in. (28.1 x 36.7 cm)
• Collections: European Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Robert E. Blum Gallery, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 00.159.231
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.231_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). The Grotto of the Agony (La Grotte de l'agonie), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on dark brown wove paper, Image: 11 1/16 x 14 7/16 in. (28.1 x 36.7 cm) Sheet: 11 1/16 x 14 7/16 in. (28.1 x 36.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.231 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.231_PS1.jpg)