By the Waters of Babel c. 1896 - 1902

James Tissot created this watercolor, titled *By the Waters of Babel,* during a period of renewed interest in biblical themes in the late 19th century. Tissot, a French artist, sought to capture the emotional and psychological states of biblical figures. This artwork represents the Babylonian exile of the Jews, a period of displacement and cultural loss. The figures are depicted in quiet contemplation by the river, their expressions suggesting a deep sense of mourning. We see their harps are hung in the trees, symbolizing the silencing of their cultural expression. Tissot’s decision to depict this scene reflects the ongoing negotiation of identity and cultural heritage within diaspora communities. By focusing on the exiles’ interior lives, Tissot emphasizes the pain of cultural disruption and the longing for home. The power of this piece resides in its ability to evoke empathy and reflection on the universal experience of displacement.