Artwork
Christ Walking on the Waters
Christ Walking on the Waters is a print by Henry Ossawa Tanner. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1910, this religious print by Henry Ossawa Tanner depicts a biblical episode of Christ walking on water. It is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a small boat battling turbulent waves, with three occupants reacting to the presence of a figure standing upright and holding a long pole. The scene alludes to the Gospel narrative where Jesus appears to his disciples amid a storm, emphasizing faith amid adversity.
Technique & Style
Tanner employs strong contrasts of light and shadow, a chiaroscuro approach that intensifies the dramatic atmosphere. Rapid, tangled line work conveys the churning sea, while the dark, swirling sky reinforces a sense of impending danger.
History & Provenance
The work was produced in the early twentieth century, a period when Tanner was exploring religious themes in printmaking. It eventually entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings, where it remains on view for public audiences.
Artist & collection
Artist
Henry Ossawa Tanner (June 21, 1859 – May 25, 1937) was an American artist who spent much of his career in France.
