The Sermon of the Beatitudes (La sermon des béatitudes)

Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
The complex nature of Egyptian deities is often indicated by their attributes. Osiris’s tightly wrapped mummy shroud and his crook and flail (symbolizing kingship) point to the legend of Osiris’s murder, mummification, and subsequent resurrection as the ruler of the underworld. The cobra held by his wife, Isis, represents the magic that revived her husband and guarded their son, Horus. As the rightful heir to Osiris’s throne and the embodiment of kingship, the falcon-god Horus wears the Double Crown.
Animals can also reveal divine qualities. The cow or cow-human forms of Hathor refer to her role as provider of milk to Horus and to young kings of Egypt. Bastet, another benevolent female deity, appears as a cat or cat-headed woman, carrying a basket and sistrum.
Certain deities, including Neith, Ptah, Nefertem, and Imhotep, were portrayed in human form. The ancient protectress Neith, associated with war and hunting, wears the flat-topped Red Crown of Lower Egypt. The Memphite creator-god Ptah holds a staff with hieroglyphs for life and permanence. Ptah’s son, Nefertem, a lotus on his head (symbolizing rebirth), defends Maat with his scimitar. Imhotep, the deified architect of Djoser’s pyramid, shares Ptah’s close-fitting cap, and the papyrus on his lap emphasizes wisdom and creativity.
Caption
James Tissot Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France. The Sermon of the Beatitudes (La sermon des béatitudes), 1886–1896. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 9 5/8 x 6 7/16 in. (24.4 x 16.4 cm) Sheet: 9 5/8 x 6 7/16 in. (24.4 x 16.4 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, 00.159.124. No known copyright restrictions (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.124_PS1.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Artist
Title
The Sermon of the Beatitudes (La sermon des béatitudes)
Date
1886–1896
Geography
Place made: France
Medium
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
Classification
Dimensions
Image: 9 5/8 x 6 7/16 in. (24.4 x 16.4 cm) Sheet: 9 5/8 x 6 7/16 in. (24.4 x 16.4 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
00.159.124
Rights
No known copyright restrictions
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