Collections: European Art: The Soul of the Good Thief (L'âme du bon Larron)

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The Soul of the Good Thief (L'âme du bon Larron)

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

Following the death of the good (or penitent) thief crucified at Golgotha, his soul is taken up to heaven, fulfilling the promise made by Jesus on the cross; as Tissot notes, he is the very first to “reap the benefits of the Redemption of mankind.” With eyes wide open in wonder, the good thief floats upward, supported by six-winged angels who bear perfume censers. Far below lies the earth, its continents and seas clearly discernible.


• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1894
• Dimensions: Image: 10 9/16 x 6 15/16 in. (26.8 x 17.6 cm) Sheet: 10 9/16 x 6 15/16 in. (26.8 x 17.6 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: 00.159.314
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.314_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). The Soul of the Good Thief (L'âme du bon Larron), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 10 9/16 x 6 15/16 in. (26.8 x 17.6 cm) Sheet: 10 9/16 x 6 15/16 in. (26.8 x 17.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.314 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.314_PS1.jpg)