tissot 4

Deeply moved by this whole experience... 

and perhaps still suffering from the loss of Kathleen Newton... 

Tissot dedicated almost the entirety of his remaining life to creating subjects of a Christian nature. 

Starting only with the intention to depict a few scenes from the Gospels, he ventured to Egypt and Palestine for the first time, and lived as a pilgrim for many months. He hoped to experience the events of the Scriptures in their native setting, and to capture a lost vision of the Holy Land. 

Soon enough, Tissot would decide to expand his project, return a second time, and paint the entirety of the Gospel narrative as a single, cohesive story.

As Tissot suddenly disappeared from his refined and artistic circles... 

rumors began to abound. 

Many speculated that Tissot had left the city to live out a religious life in a monastery. 

Others believed that his sudden conversion and absence were merely part of a sensational act, capitalizing upon and profiting off of the Catholic revival movement emerging in France at the time. 

Even long-time friend Edgar Degas turned his back on Tissot, so much so that their friendship would never be repaired. He is quoted as saying, "Now he's got religion. He says he experiences inconceivable joy in his faith. At the same time, he not only sells his own products high, but sells his friends' pictures as well... Well, I can take my vengeance. I shall do a caricature of Tissot with Christ behind him, whipping him, and call it: Christ Driving His Merchant from the Temple!"  

Far away from the rumors, however... 

Tissot marched toward Jerusalem, accompanied by no European friends.

Only local guides, interpreters, and assistants to aid him. 

[bron]