Who painted Christ on the Lake?

Christ on the Lake was painted by Léonard Gaultier in 1578.

Where can I see Christ on the Lake?

Christ on the Lake is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Christ on the Lake?

Christ on the Lake is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Christ on the Lake

Léonard Gaultier , 1578

Christ on the Lake is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Léonard Gaultier. It dates from 1578 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Christ on the Lake is an engraving produced circa 1578 by Léonard Gaultier, a French printmaker active in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Executed entirely with the graver, the image presents a biblical scene of Jesus standing upon water, surrounded by a boat, figures, and a distant landscape of buildings and hills.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts the miracle of Christ walking on water, a theme drawn from the New Testament. The central figure, robed and raising his right arm, dominates the scene, while the surrounding boat and gathered onlookers suggest a narrative moment of revelation and faith.

Technique & Style

Gaultier employs fine cross‑hatching and meticulous line work to render texture, light, and depth. The engraving displays a formal, precise quality reminiscent of the Wierix brothers and Crispyn van de Passe, with a slightly rigid handling of figures that emphasizes clarity over naturalism.

History & Provenance

Born in Mainz around 1561, Gaultier worked primarily in Paris until his death in 1641. He designed many of his own prints, ranging from portraiture to religious subjects, and Christ on the Lake belongs to this self‑designed series of devotional images.

Context

The work reflects the broader Renaissance interest in biblical illustration and the technical possibilities of printmaking. Engravings such as this allowed religious narratives to circulate widely, reaching audiences beyond the confines of painted altarpieces.