The Betrothal of the Holy Virgin and Saint Joseph (Fiançailles de la sainte vierge et de saint Joseph)
James Tissot
European Art
Although Luke devotes just two verses to the betrothal of Mary and Joseph, their formal promise of future marriage, Tissot inventively elaborates on the event, calling on his extensive research into ancient Jewish ritual.
Before a sea of onlookers, Joseph, with staff still in hand, and Mary stand with heads bowed beneath a painted canopy held aloft by attendants who grasp lushly garlanded poles. Tissot crams this tiny work with a multitude of details, from the patterned robes of Mary and Joseph to the petal-strewn carpet beneath their feet.
Before a sea of onlookers, Joseph, with staff still in hand, and Mary stand with heads bowed beneath a painted canopy held aloft by attendants who grasp lushly garlanded poles. Tissot crams this tiny work with a multitude of details, from the patterned robes of Mary and Joseph to the petal-strewn carpet beneath their feet.
MEDIUM
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
DATES
1886–1894
DIMENSIONS
Image: 6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in. (16.8 x 11.4 cm)
Sheet: 6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in. (16.8 x 11.4 cm)
Frame: 20 x 15 x 1 1/2 in. (50.8 x 38.1 x 3.8 cm) (show scale)
SIGNATURE
Signed bottom left: "J.J. Tissot"
COLLECTIONS
European Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
00.159.15
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). The Betrothal of the Holy Virgin and Saint Joseph (Fiançailles de la sainte vierge et de saint Joseph), 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in. (16.8 x 11.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.15 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.15_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 00.159.15_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
No known copyright restrictions
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