Who painted Christ Stilling the Storm?

Christ Stilling the Storm was painted by German 16th Century in 1550.

Where can I see Christ Stilling the Storm?

Christ Stilling the Storm is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Christ Stilling the Storm?

Christ Stilling the Storm is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Christ Stilling the Storm

German 16th Century , 1550

Christ Stilling the Storm is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 16th Century. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Christ Stilling the Storm is an engraved print that depicts a small vessel caught in turbulent waters. Central to the composition is a standing figure with outstretched arms, while other occupants cling to one another and the boat’s structure. A distant cityscape appears on the horizon, and the surrounding sea is rendered with vigorous line work that conveys the motion of the storm.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a narrative moment in which a central figure appears to intervene in a tempest, suggesting a theme of divine or heroic control over nature. The surrounding passengers’ gestures of fear and reliance underscore the tension between human vulnerability and the possibility of salvation.

Technique & Style

Executed in engraving, the work relies on densely incised lines to model light, shadow, and texture. Fine hatching defines the folds of clothing and the frothy surface of the water, while broader strokes suggest the mass of the boat and the distant skyline. The contrast between dark, crowded areas and lighter spaces creates a dramatic visual rhythm typical of the medium.

Context

Engravings of biblical or mythological scenes were common in the print market of early modern Europe, serving both devotional and instructional purposes. This piece aligns with that tradition, using a familiar scriptural episode to convey moral or spiritual messages through a highly detailed, reproducible format.

Artist & collection

Artist

German 16th Century

A German artist of the late 1500s drew knights clashing in parades and mock battles, filling sheets with detailed ink colored lightly in watercolor: soldiers mid-joust, shields flying, foot soldiers sparring with spears.