The Descent from the Cross (La descent de croix)
James Tissot
European Art
In an image that recalls centuries of precedents, Christ’s loved ones have gathered to draw down his body for burial. Each nail is carefully removed, Tissot explains, before the legs are swathed in linen and the body, held in a long band of material, is slowly lowered into the upraised arms of the Virgin Mary, who is clad in blue. She is joined by the Magdalene, who once more wipes the feet of Jesus, and Saint John the Evangelist, who stands at the foot of the cross holding the shroud with which Jesus will be wrapped.
MEDIUM
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
DATES
1886–1894
DIMENSIONS
Image: 13 1/4 x 9 9/16 in. (33.7 x 24.3 cm)
Sheet: 13 1/4 x 9 9/16 in. (33.7 x 24.3 cm)
Frame: 20 x 15 x 1 1/2 in. (50.8 x 38.1 x 3.8 cm) (show scale)
SIGNATURE
Signed bottom center: "J.J. Tissot"
COLLECTIONS
European Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
00.159.320
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 Descent from the Cross (La descent de croix), 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 13 1/4 x 9 9/16 in. (33.7 x 24.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.320 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.320_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 00.159.320_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2008
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