Collections: European Art: Pilate Washes His Hands (Pilate se lave les mains)

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Pilate Washes His Hands (Pilate se lave les mains)

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

Exclaiming “Behold the man!,” Pilate shows the beaten and bloodied Christ to the crowds. The people gathered in the court below urge his execution, with pointed fingers raised in accusatory gestures.

On the loggia before the assembled crowd, Pilate—convinced of Jesus’ innocence and impressed by his dignity, according to Tissot’s account—publicly washes his hands on the loggia before the square, symbolically distancing himself from the execution to follow.


This text refers to these objects: 00.159.267; 00.159.271

• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1894
• Dimensions: Image: 6 1/4 x 5 1/8 in. (15.9 x 13 cm) Sheet: 6 1/4 x 5 1/8 in. (15.9 x 13 cm)
• Signature: Signed top right: "J.J. Tissot"
• Collections: European Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Robert E. Blum Gallery, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 00.159.271
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.271_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Pilate Washes His Hands (Pilate se lave les mains), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 6 1/4 x 5 1/8 in. (15.9 x 13 cm) Sheet: 6 1/4 x 5 1/8 in. (15.9 x 13 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.271 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.271_PS2.jpg)