The Blind in the Ditch (Les aveugles dans le fossé)

This painting illustrates a parable in which Jesus likens those who ignore his teachings to the blind leading the blind. Holding on to one another but without informed guidance, the blind are vulnerable to danger.

In his commentary, Tissot asserts that during his stay in Jerusalem he observed the following practice: “In the streets of Jerusalem numbers of blind men may still sometimes be seen, walking one behind the other in files, and clinging to each other, under the leadership of one of their number who is familiar with the obstacles to be avoided, and knowing every nook and corner of the town.”