Shop art print and framed art The Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Rembrandt

The Storm on the Sea of Galilee: a fascinating work of art

Painted in 1633, The Storm on the Sea of Galilee is a major work by the Dutch painter Rembrandt. It depicts a biblical episode in which Jesus calms a violent storm that is shaking the Lake of Galilee. This work was kept at the Isabella-Stewart-Gardner Museum in Boston until 1990. On 18 March 1990, the painting was stolen, along with twelve other works of art, and to this day has not been found.

The biblical event depicted in the painting

This scene is taken from the New Testament, more specifically from the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark and Luke. It tells the story of Jesus and his apostles crossing the Lake of Galilee in a boat. A sudden storm breaks and the disciples panic, fearing for their lives, while Jesus sleeps peacefully. Awakened by his companions, he orders the winds and waves to calm down, which happens immediately. The apostles are then amazed by this divine manifestation.

The composition and elements of the painting

A dynamic staging

Rembrandt has captured the dramatic intensity of this episode brilliantly. The diagonal formed by the boat's mainsail guides the eye towards the centre of the action, where Jesus is. The tumultuous waves and threatening clouds reinforce this impression of danger.

The characters

The painter has depicted the thirteen protagonists of the story, Jesus and his twelve apostles. We can observe the diversity of expressions and attitudes: some of the disciples are trying to control the boat, others are praying or relying on their faith, while still others show their amazement at the miracle taking place before their eyes.

Light and colour

Rembrandt is known for his mastery of chiaroscuro, a technique that creates a strong contrast between lit and shaded areas. In this painting the scene is violently lit from the left, but another, barely perceptible source of light comes from Jesus himself, illuminating the faces and hands of the apostles while highlighting their emotional reactions.

Possible interpretations of the work

"Christ in the storm on the Sea of Galilee" offers several levels of reading:

• A religious allegory: The painting can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual life of Christians, often faced with trials and temptations, but always sustained by the divine presence.
• A message of hope: Through this scene, Rembrandt delivers a positive message about the strength of faith and the ability of men to overcome obstacles, guided by a higher power.

This artwork is a painting from the classical period. It belongs to the baroque style.

Find the full description of The Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Rembrandt on Wikipedia.