Collections: European Art: Jesus Before Pilate, First Interview (Jésus devant Pilate. Premier entretien).

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

Jesus Before Pilate, First Interview (Jésus devant Pilate. Premier entretien).

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

Following the accusation of blasphemy by the chief priest—a crime that demands the death sentence in ancient Jewish tradition— Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judaea, at his palace. Bound and bloodied from his beatings, a seemingly frail Jesus faces Pilate, who wears the pristine toga of his rank. They meet alone in the Hall of Judgment, though several eavesdroppers appear through the screen in the background.

In the moment depicted by Tissot, Pilate asks Jesus whether he is the king of the Jews. Jesus replies that “My kingdom is not of this world” and that his purpose is to “bear witness to the truth.” At the conclusion of this interview, Pilate finds that Jesus has committed no crime and sends him to Herod.


• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1894
• Dimensions: Image: 6 5/8 x 11 1/4 in. (16.8 x 28.6 cm) Sheet: 6 5/8 x 11 1/4 in. (16.8 x 28.6 cm)
• Signature: Signed bottom left: "J.J. Tissot"
• Collections: European Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Robert E. Blum Gallery, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 00.159.259
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.259_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Jesus Before Pilate, First Interview (Jésus devant Pilate. Premier entretien)., 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 6 5/8 x 11 1/4 in. (16.8 x 28.6 cm) Sheet: 6 5/8 x 11 1/4 in. (16.8 x 28.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.259 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.259_PS2.jpg)