Christ Asleep during the Tempest

"Christ Asleep during the Tempest" is a painting by French artist Eugène Delacroix, created around 1853. The work depicts a scene from the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus sleeps in a boat during a storm while his disciples fear for their lives. Delacroix employs dramatic lighting and vivid colors to convey the emotional intensity of the moment. The composition features dynamic movement, with turbulent waves contrasting against the calm figure of Christ. This painting reflects Delacroix's interest in Romanticism, emphasizing emotion and the sublime in nature. It is part of the collection at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The exact circumstances of its commission and early reception are not well-documented.

"Christ Asleep during the Tempest" by Eugène Delacroix, created circa 1853, is an oil on canvas painting that depicts a dramatic scene from the Gospel of Mark. The composition features Christ reclining peacefully in a small boat, surrounded by tumultuous waves and a stormy sky. The figures of the disciples are portrayed in various states of panic and desperation, contrasting sharply with Christ's serene demeanor. Delacroix employs a dynamic use of color, with deep blues and greens representing the turbulent sea, while warm tones illuminate Christ's figure. The brushwork is expressive, enhancing the sense of movement and chaos in the storm. The overall composition is characterized by a strong diagonal thrust, guiding the viewer's eye through the tumultuous scene. The emotional intensity of the painting is heightened by the dramatic lighting, which highlights the central figure of Christ amidst the surrounding turmoil.