Collections: European Art: Jesus Meets His Mother (Jésus rencontre sa mère)

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Jesus Meets His Mother (Jésus rencontre sa mère)

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

Although this episode cannot be found in the Gospel accounts, Tissot presents a scene traditionally included as one of the Stations of the Cross, a series of images, venerated chiefly by Catholics, that trace the events of Jesus’ final hours. At the fourth station, he meets his mother, Mary, after he falls while carrying his cross to Calvary. Her arms extended toward her son, Mary rushes to his side, accompanied by John the Evangelist and Mary Magdalene. Her compassion stands in marked contrast to the cruelty of his tormentors, who whip him and brandish the nails that will be used to affix him to the cross.


• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1894
• Dimensions: Image: 10 7/16 x 14 1/4 in. (26.5 x 36.2 cm) Sheet: 10 7/16 x 14 1/4 in. (26.5 x 36.2 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: 00.159.280
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.280_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Jesus Meets His Mother (Jésus rencontre sa mère), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 10 7/16 x 14 1/4 in. (26.5 x 36.2 cm) Sheet: 10 7/16 x 14 1/4 in. (26.5 x 36.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.280 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.280_PS2.jpg)