James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Voice from on High (La voix d'en haut), 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 7 7/16 x 10 3/8 in. (18.9 x 26.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.203 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.203_PS2.jpg)
James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Voice from on High (La voix d'en haut), 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 7 7/16 x 10 3/8 in. (18.9 x 26.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.203 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.203.jpg)
James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Voice from on High (La voix d'en haut), 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 7 7/16 x 10 3/8 in. (18.9 x 26.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.203 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.203_bw.jpg)
The Voice from on High (La voix d'en haut)
James Tissot
European Art
Standing on a raised platform before the Court of the Gentiles outside the Temple, Jesus first considers asking God to save him from his impending sacrifice; but then, recognizing its necessity in the divine plan, he instead glorifies God’s name. The Lord responds from the heavens: some in the crowd hear thunder, others the voice of an angel. Jesus acknowledges his forthcoming death to those gathered.
With this image, Tissot again blends his interest in historical accuracy with a sense of mystery and wonder. He sets the scene in a very specific archaeological place: on a terrace elevated above the Court of Gentiles, noting that non-Jews were forbidden from this platform under pain of death. However, the artist also underscores the awe of the crowd as they hear the voice from on high—many cower as they look up at the sky with raised hands and wide eyes.
With this image, Tissot again blends his interest in historical accuracy with a sense of mystery and wonder. He sets the scene in a very specific archaeological place: on a terrace elevated above the Court of Gentiles, noting that non-Jews were forbidden from this platform under pain of death. However, the artist also underscores the awe of the crowd as they hear the voice from on high—many cower as they look up at the sky with raised hands and wide eyes.
MEDIUM
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
DATES
1886–1894
DIMENSIONS
Image: 7 7/16 x 10 3/8 in. (18.9 x 26.4 cm)
Sheet: 7 7/16 x 10 3/8 in. (18.9 x 26.4 cm)
Frame: 15 x 20 x 1 1/2 in. (38.1 x 50.8 x 3.8 cm) (show scale)
SIGNATURE
Signed bottom right: "J.J. Tissot"
COLLECTIONS
European Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
00.159.203
CREDIT LINE
Purchased by public subscription
PROVENANCE
1900, purchased from the artist by the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
The image is comprised of many layers of opaque watercolor. Graphite lines appear along the top and right edges, presumably as guidelines to cutting the piece down. It is mounted to a secondary support of cream-colored wove paper.
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Voice from on High (La voix d'en haut), 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 7 7/16 x 10 3/8 in. (18.9 x 26.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.203 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.203_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 00.159.203_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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