James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). Jesus Before Pilate, First Interview (Jésus devant Pilate. Premier entretien)., 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 6 5/8 x 11 1/4 in. (16.8 x 28.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.259 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.259_PS2.jpg)
James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). Jesus Before Pilate, First Interview (Jésus devant Pilate. Premier entretien)., 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 6 5/8 x 11 1/4 in. (16.8 x 28.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.259 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.259_transp5719.jpg)
Jesus Before Pilate, First Interview (Jésus devant Pilate. Premier entretien).
James Tissot
European Art
Following the accusation of blasphemy by the chief priest—a crime that demands the death sentence in ancient Jewish tradition— Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judaea, at his palace. Bound and bloodied from his beatings, a seemingly frail Jesus faces Pilate, who wears the pristine toga of his rank. They meet alone in the Hall of Judgment, though several eavesdroppers appear through the screen in the background.
In the moment depicted by Tissot, Pilate asks Jesus whether he is the king of the Jews. Jesus replies that “My kingdom is not of this world” and that his purpose is to “bear witness to the truth.” At the conclusion of this interview, Pilate finds that Jesus has committed no crime and sends him to Herod.
In the moment depicted by Tissot, Pilate asks Jesus whether he is the king of the Jews. Jesus replies that “My kingdom is not of this world” and that his purpose is to “bear witness to the truth.” At the conclusion of this interview, Pilate finds that Jesus has committed no crime and sends him to Herod.
MEDIUM
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
DATES
1886–1894
DIMENSIONS
Image: 6 5/8 x 11 1/4 in. (16.8 x 28.6 cm)
Sheet: 6 5/8 x 11 1/4 in. (16.8 x 28.6 cm)
Frame: 15 x 20 x 1 1/2 in. (38.1 x 50.8 x 3.8 cm) (show scale)
SIGNATURE
Signed bottom left: "J.J. Tissot"
COLLECTIONS
European Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
00.159.259
CREDIT LINE
Purchased by public subscription
PROVENANCE
1900, purchased from the artist by the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). Jesus Before Pilate, First Interview (Jésus devant Pilate. Premier entretien)., 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 6 5/8 x 11 1/4 in. (16.8 x 28.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.259 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.259_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 00.159.259_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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