Collection

Ordaining of the Twelve Apostles (Election des douze apôtres)

James Tissot

Brooklyn Museum photograph

Object Label

Although Jesus took on several followers early in his ministry, in this painting he is shown formally ordaining twelve men to help spread his teachings. They are Peter, James Major, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the Less, Thaddeus, Peter, and Judas Iscariot.

Following the Gospel account, Tissot situates this event on a mountain, noting later that Jesus frequently withdrew to such elevated spots to be closer to God.

Caption

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). Ordaining of the Twelve Apostles (Election des douze apôtres), 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 6 11/16 x 10 9/16 in. (17 x 26.8 cm) Sheet: 6 11/16 x 10 9/16 in. (17 x 26.8 cm) Frame: 15 x 20 x 1 1/2 in. (38.1 x 50.8 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.98. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Ordaining of the Twelve Apostles (Election des douze apôtres)

Date

1886–1894

Geography

Place made: France

Medium

Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper

Classification

Watercolor

Dimensions

Image: 6 11/16 x 10 9/16 in. (17 x 26.8 cm) Sheet: 6 11/16 x 10 9/16 in. (17 x 26.8 cm) Frame: 15 x 20 x 1 1/2 in. (38.1 x 50.8 x 3.8 cm)

Signatures

Signed bottom right: "J.J. Tissot"

Credit Line

Purchased by public subscription

Accession Number

00.159.98

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Artists and makers

James Tissot

524 works in the collection