Collections: European Art: The Transfiguration (La transfiguration)

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The Transfiguration (La transfiguration)

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

In the passage illustrated here, Jesus again retreats to a mountaintop, with his disciples Peter, James, and John, to pray. He is transformed before the eyes of his companions in the course of his prayers; his robes emit a blinding white light. Moreover, the Old Testament prophets Elijah and Moses suddenly appear to converse with him. In Tissot’s rendering, one apostle shields his eyes from the brilliant glow, while another covers his ears as God’s supernatural voice declares Jesus his beloved Son.


• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1896
• Dimensions: Image: 9 1/2 x 6 1/16 in. (24.1 x 15.4 cm) Sheet: 9 1/2 x 6 1/16 in. (24.1 x 15.4 cm)
• Signature: Signed top left: "J.J. Tissot"
• Collections: European Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Robert E. Blum Gallery, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 00.159.145
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.145_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). The Transfiguration (La transfiguration), 1886-1896. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 9 1/2 x 6 1/16 in. (24.1 x 15.4 cm) Sheet: 9 1/2 x 6 1/16 in. (24.1 x 15.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.145 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.145_PS1.jpg)