Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness

James Tissot

As we ride the rushing tide of Lent towards its conclusion, I offer this painting by James Tissot from the end of the nineteenth century, entitled “Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness”. (I don’t know the proper way to cite a painting, but I hope my use of the image here is not an infringement.)

Not only is Tissot’s technical work here astounding (to one who …