Jesus Unrolls the Book in the Synagogue (Jésus dans la synagogue déroule le livre)
James Tissot
European Art
In Luke’s telling, Jesus returns to Nazareth, the town of his childhood, and goes to the synagogue on the Sabbath. Reading a passage from Isaiah, he declares himself the fulfillment of the prophet’s words, as the means of redemption and healing for the marginalized, afflicted, and oppressed. Those gathered in the synagogue react with wonder to find the prophecy realized in one of their own—“Joseph’s son,” as the group calls him. However, Jesus warns that his path promises hardship, even among friends: “No prophet is accepted in his country.”
Tissot pays particular attention to the costumes of the worshippers and the setting of the synagogue. Note the shawls worn by those at prayer as well as the elaborate silver ornaments for the Torah from which Jesus reads.
Tissot pays particular attention to the costumes of the worshippers and the setting of the synagogue. Note the shawls worn by those at prayer as well as the elaborate silver ornaments for the Torah from which Jesus reads.
MEDIUM
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
DATES
1886–1894
DIMENSIONS
Image: 10 11/16 x 7 9/16 in. (27.1 x 19.2 cm)
Sheet: 10 11/16 x 7 9/16 in. (27.1 x 19.2 cm)
Frame: 20 x 15 x 1 1/2 in. (50.8 x 38.1 x 3.8 cm) (show scale)
SIGNATURE
Signed bottom near left: "J.J. Tissot"
COLLECTIONS
European Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
00.159.71
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 Unrolls the Book in the Synagogue (Jésus dans la synagogue déroule le livre), 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 10 11/16 x 7 9/16 in. (27.1 x 19.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.71 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.71_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 00.159.71_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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