The Holy Virgin Kisses the Face of Jesus Before He is Enshrouded on the Anointing Stone 

James Tissot created this watercolor, "The Holy Virgin Kisses the Face of Jesus Before He is Enshrouded on the Anointing Stone," now housed in the Brooklyn Museum. The painting envelops us in a hushed scene dominated by the stark white of the burial shroud, a visual anchor amidst the muted tones of mourning figures. Tissot masterfully arranges the composition to draw our eyes towards the intimate moment of farewell, focusing on the tactile rendering of fabrics and the emotional weight of the figures' postures. The choice of watercolor lends a delicate, almost ethereal quality, enhancing the sense of grief and reverence. The arrangement of mourners creates a structured, yet subtly chaotic scene reflecting the emotional turmoil. The whiteness of the shroud, juxtaposed against the somber colors of the landscape and clothing, not only highlights the solemnity of the moment, but also introduces a formal dynamic centered around contrast and emotional depth. The painting invites contemplation on themes of loss and devotion. Tissot’s formal choices elevate the image beyond mere illustration, inviting ongoing interpretation of its aesthetic and emotional power.