Brooklyn Museum: European Art: Jesus Unrolls the Book in the Synagogue (Jésus dans la synagogue déroule le livre)

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Jesus Unrolls the Book in the Synagogue (Jésus dans la synagogue déroule le livre)

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

In Luke’s telling, Jesus returns to Nazareth, the town of his childhood, and goes to the synagogue on the Sabbath. Reading a passage from Isaiah, he declares himself the fulfillment of the prophet’s words, as the means of redemption and healing for the marginalized, afflicted, and oppressed. Those gathered in the synagogue react with wonder to find the prophecy realized in one of their own—“Joseph’s son,” as the group calls him. However, Jesus warns that his path promises hardship, even among friends: “No prophet is accepted in his country.”

Tissot pays particular attention to the costumes of the worshippers and the setting of the synagogue. Note the shawls worn by those at prayer as well as the elaborate silver ornaments for the Torah from which Jesus reads.

Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
Place Made: France
Dates: 1886-1894
Dimensions: Image: 10 11/16 x 7 9/16 in. (27.1 x 19.2 cm) Sheet: 10 11/16 x 7 9/16 in. (27.1 x 19.2 cm)
Signature: Signed bottom near left: "J.J. Tissot"
Collections: European Art
Museum Location: This item is on view in Robert E. Blum Gallery, 1st Floor
Accession Number: 00.159.71
Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
Image: Overall, 00.159.71_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007

Collections: European Art: Jesus Unrolls the Book in the Synagogue (Jésus dans la synagogue déroule le livre)