Collections: European Art: Simon the Cyrenian Compelled to Carry the Cross with Jesus (Simon de Cyrène contraint de porter la Croix avec Jésus)

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Simon the Cyrenian Compelled to Carry the Cross with Jesus (Simon de Cyrène contraint de porter la Croix avec Jésus)

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

Already weak from beatings and the labor of carrying his heavy cross, Jesus falls for a second time. A man named Simon of Cyrene, a resident of North Africa, is pressed into service to help with the burden. Taking him roughly by the shoulders, the guards urge Simon, clothed in a short blue tunic, to carry the long central beam, as Jesus lies motionless on the cobbled street.

Following the procession, a boy carries the title that will be affixed to the Cross. Spelled out in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, the sign, written by Pilate, reads: “Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews.”


• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1894
• Dimensions: Image: 7 15/16 x 11 11/16 in. (20.2 x 29.7 cm) Sheet: 7 15/16 x 11 11/16 in. (20.2 x 29.7 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: 00.159.281
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.281_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2008
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Simon the Cyrenian Compelled to Carry the Cross with Jesus (Simon de Cyrène contraint de porter la Croix avec Jésus), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 7 15/16 x 11 11/16 in. (20.2 x 29.7 cm) Sheet: 7 15/16 x 11 11/16 in. (20.2 x 29.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.281 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.281_PS2.jpg)