The artwork titled “The First Nail (Le premier clou)” is by the artist James Tissot. It falls under the genre of religious painting and is currently located at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City, NY, US.
In the artwork, we observe a poignant scene portraying the crucifixion process. Roman soldiers are depicted fastening Jesus Christ to the cross, with one soldier about to drive the first nail into his hand while others hold him down. The atmosphere is somber and heavy, accentuated by the dark sky and the presence of distressed onlookers, including a group of individuals weeping and covering their faces. The painting employs a realistic style, meticulously detailing the garments and expressions of the figures, the rough texture of the ground, and the construction of the wooden cross. The composition powerfully conveys the emotional gravity and physical brutality of the moment.
