“The Disciples See Christ Walking on the Water,” created by Henry Ossawa Tanner in 1907, is an evocative religious painting that falls within the Symbolism art movement. This work is housed in the Des Moines Art Center located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States.
The artwork depicts a serene yet mystical scene set on a moonlit night. A small boat, occupied by a group of individuals, is depicted amidst a calm body of water. Their attention is collectively directed towards a ghostly, ethereal figure in the distance, which is meant to represent Christ walking on the water. The water reflects the light of the moon, creating a tranquil ambiance that heightens the spiritual and symbolic nature of the artwork. The use of dark tones and subtle highlights emphasizes the enigmatic and miraculous essence of the biblical event being portrayed.