The Chastisement of Uzzah 1902

James Tissot made this artwork, "The Chastisement of Uzzah," in the late 19th century, rendering a scene from the Old Testament with meticulous detail. The image shows Uzzah, struck down for touching the Ark of the Covenant. Tissot, a Frenchman working in England, had turned from modern-life painting to biblical subjects, reflecting a wider interest in religious themes. The dramatic composition underscores the idea of divine power, but we can also consider the cultural context of this work. In Victorian England, there was a growing fascination with religious history, fueled by archaeological discoveries in the Middle East. Tissot researched historical details, aiming for authenticity, yet his interpretations were shaped by his own time and cultural background. To fully appreciate this artwork, we would need to research not only biblical texts but also 19th-century views on religion, history, and the role of art in conveying moral lessons. Examining exhibition records and critical reviews from that era can offer more insight into how audiences perceived such religious paintings.