Christ Asleep during the Tempest by Eugène Delacroix, executed in 1853, is a powerful example of French Romantic painting rendered in oil on canvas. The work illustrates the Gospel account (Mark 4:35-41) where Jesus and his disciples are caught in a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. Delacroix focuses the narrative on the figure of Christ, who remains serenely sleeping on a cushion while his companions, a boatload of distressed men, struggle desperately against the towering waves.
Delacroix, known for his dramatic use of color and kinetic brushwork, emphasizes the stark contrast between the natural chaos of the tempest and the divine tranquility. The dark, churning sea and the unstable wooden boat highlight the vulnerable humanity of the men, whose panic contrasts sharply with the central figure. This emotional and visual contrast is central to the painting’s meaning, reflecting Romanticism's preoccupation with sublime nature and profound feeling. Delacroix revisited this specific religious subject multiple times in his career, drawn to its inherent drama and symbolic richness.
This exceptional piece is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a cornerstone of the museum's holdings of 19th-century French painting. The powerful depiction of the sleeping savior amidst existential terror makes this canvas a significant work of the period. Due to its historical significance and widespread appeal, high-quality images and available prints of this public domain masterwork are often used for scholarly study and general appreciation.
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