Collections: European Art: The Holy Face (La sainte face)

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The Holy Face (La sainte face)

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

As Jesus continues on his route to Calvary, a woman now known as Saint Veronica approaches to offer momentary respite. Kneeling before Jesus, she gives him linen to wipe his face of the sweat and blood from his exertions and wounds. Taking the cloth in both hands, he presses it to his face, leaving a likeness of his features, which Veronica cherished as a memorial to him. In his commentary, Tissot notes that this relic was later taken to Rome for safekeeping by the Church.


This text refers to these objects: 00.159.284; 00.159.283

• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1894
• Dimensions: Image: 8 3/8 x 4 9/16 in. (21.3 x 11.6 cm) Sheet: 8 3/8 x 4 9/16 in. (21.3 x 11.6 cm)
• Signature: Signed bottom right: "J.J. Tissot"
• Collections: European Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Robert E. Blum Gallery, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 00.159.284
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.284_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). The Holy Face (La sainte face), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 8 3/8 x 4 9/16 in. (21.3 x 11.6 cm) Sheet: 8 3/8 x 4 9/16 in. (21.3 x 11.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.284 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.284_PS2.jpg)