Collections: European Art: It Is Finished (Consummatum Est)

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It Is Finished (Consummatum Est)

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

As Jesus expires on the cross, he utters the words “It is finished.” In this image, the spirits of the Old Testament prophets hover around the transverse bar of his crucifix, welcoming him into their company. Within the six-pointed Star of David, Tissot has painted the Hebrew word for Lord, further underscoring Christ’s role in the divine plan.

Asserting that their “prophecies are accomplished,” the artist shows the hovering prophets triumphantly holding scriptural scrolls above their heads. Below, the Virgin Mary reaches her arms out to her son.


• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1894
• Dimensions: Image: 11 5/16 x 7 3/4 in. (28.7 x 19.7 cm) Sheet: 11 5/16 x 7 3/4 in. (28.7 x 19.7 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: 00.159.304
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.304_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2008
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). It Is Finished (Consummatum Est), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 11 5/16 x 7 3/4 in. (28.7 x 19.7 cm) Sheet: 11 5/16 x 7 3/4 in. (28.7 x 19.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.304 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.304_PS2.jpg)