Luke 19

Zacchaeus in Biblical Art

Zacchaeus gives artists a vivid scene of small stature, eager seeking, and unexpected welcome.

Bible and Art Context

Tissot places Zacchaeus above the crowd in the sycamore, catching the moment of desire before Jesus calls him down. The tree becomes a visual sign of both limitation and pursuit.

Read Luke 19Bible story page
James Tissot painting of Zacchaeus in a sycamore tree watching for Jesus

Public domain

Zacchaeus in the Sycamore Awaiting the Passage of Jesus

James Tissot, circa 1886-1894, Opaque watercolor over graphite

Tissot emphasizes Zacchaeus's eager watchfulness before Jesus calls him by name.

Source: Wikimedia Commons / Brooklyn Museum

Questions about Zacchaeus in Art

Where is Zacchaeus in the Bible?

The story of Zacchaeus is found in Luke 19.

Why do artists show Zacchaeus in a tree?

Luke says he climbed a sycamore because he was little of stature and could not see Jesus for the crowd.

Related biblical art

Creation of AdamDavid and GoliathNoah's ArkProdigal SonDaniel in the Lions' Den

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