Collection

Curses Against the Pharisees (Imprécations contre les pharisiens)

James Tissot

Brooklyn Museum photograph

Object Label

When Jesus dines in the house of one of the Pharisees, he does not wash his hands though Jewish ritual demanded it. When reproached by his host, Jesus, in turn, indicts the Pharisees for their hypocrisy: their emphasis on the appearance of righteousness through ceremony rather than true belief. In Tissot’s painting, Jesus condemns this group—much to their dismay and protest—with a dynamic gesture.

Caption

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). Curses Against the Pharisees (Imprécations contre les pharisiens), 1886–1896. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 6 3/8 x 9 3/8 in. (16.2 x 23.8 cm) Sheet: 6 3/8 x 9 3/8 in. (16.2 x 23.8 cm) Frame: 16 7/8 x 22 7/8 x 1 1/2 in. (42.9 x 58.1 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.142. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Curses Against the Pharisees (Imprécations contre les pharisiens)

Date

1886–1896

Geography

Place made: France

Medium

Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper

Classification

Watercolor

Dimensions

Image: 6 3/8 x 9 3/8 in. (16.2 x 23.8 cm) Sheet: 6 3/8 x 9 3/8 in. (16.2 x 23.8 cm) Frame: 16 7/8 x 22 7/8 x 1 1/2 in. (42.9 x 58.1 x 3.8 cm)

Signatures

Signed bottom left on column: "J.J. Tissot"

Credit Line

Purchased by public subscription

Accession Number

00.159.142

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Artists and makers

James Tissot

524 works in the collection