The Holy Face (La sainte face)

James Tissot

1 of 2

Object Label

As Jesus continues on his route to Calvary, a woman now known as Saint Veronica approaches to offer momentary respite. Kneeling before Jesus, she gives him linen to wipe his face of the sweat and blood from his exertions and wounds. Taking the cloth in both hands, he presses it to his face, leaving a likeness of his features, which Veronica cherished as a memorial to him. In his commentary, Tissot notes that this relic was later taken to Rome for safekeeping by the Church.

Caption

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Holy Face (La sainte face), 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 8 3/8 x 4 9/16 in. (21.3 x 11.6 cm) Sheet: 8 3/8 x 4 9/16 in. (21.3 x 11.6 cm) Frame: 20 x 15 x 1 1/2 in. (50.8 x 38.1 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.284. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

The Holy Face (La sainte face)

Date

1886–1894

Geography

Place made: France

Medium

Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper

Classification

Watercolor

Dimensions

Image: 8 3/8 x 4 9/16 in. (21.3 x 11.6 cm) Sheet: 8 3/8 x 4 9/16 in. (21.3 x 11.6 cm) Frame: 20 x 15 x 1 1/2 in. (50.8 x 38.1 x 3.8 cm)

Signatures

Signed bottom right: "J.J. Tissot"

Credit Line

Purchased by public subscription

Accession Number

00.159.284

Have information?

Have information about an artwork? Contact us at

bkmcollections@brooklynmuseum.org.