The artwork “Christ on the Sea of Galilee,” created by Tintoretto between 1575 and 1580, is an oil on canvas piece belonging to the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. This religious painting measures 117 x 169 cm and is housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, US.
The artwork portrays a dramatic biblical scene that depicts Christ standing on the shoreline, his right arm extended in a gesture of calm and authority towards a turbulent sea. In the foreground, the waves appear large and churning, suggesting unrest and peril. On a modest boat seen in the midground, several figures are captured in intense activity, likely representing the apostles struggling against the storm. These figures exhibit expressions and postures indicating fear and desperation as they work to control the small, beleaguered vessel. The background features somber clouds, enhancing the tumultuous atmosphere. The dense, dark hues of the painting evoke a sense of foreboding while illuminated areas draw the viewer’s attention to Christ and the figures on the boat. The composition, marked by dynamic movement and emotional intensity, exemplifies Tintoretto’s mastery in conveying dramatic narratives through his artwork.