Artwork
Christ Walking on the Water
Christ Walking on the Water is an ink print by Henry Ossawa Tanner. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Tanner, an American artist who settled in France in the 1890s, used the medium of drypoint to render a biblical scene with quiet intensity.
Created in 1910, *Christ Walking on the Water* is an etching by Henry Ossawa Tanner, executed in black ink on laid paper. Tanner, an American artist who settled in France in the 1890s, used the medium of drypoint to render a biblical scene with quiet intensity. The work belongs to a series of religious subjects he explored during his time in Europe, where he gained recognition for his sensitive approach to spiritual themes.
Subject & Meaning
The scene captures Christ standing in a small boat, one arm extended toward the turbulent sea, evoking the Gospel account of his walking on water. Rather than emphasizing divine power, Tanner focuses on stillness amid chaos—the figure of Christ is calm, while the waves surge around him. The composition invites contemplation, suggesting faith not as spectacle but as quiet endurance against overwhelming forces.
Technique & Style
Tanner employed drypoint, scratching directly into the metal plate to create rich, velvety lines that hold deep ink. This technique enhances the texture of the waves and the wind-tugged sails, giving the water a tactile, almost organic quality. The contrast between the dark, dense strokes and the untouched paper suggests light breaking through storm clouds, reinforcing the spiritual tension without overt symbolism.
History & Provenance
Tanner produced this etching during a period of growing international recognition, following his studies at the Académie Julian and his establishment in Paris. Though the specific early ownership of this print is not documented, it was made during his mature phase, when he was increasingly sought after by European collectors and institutions. His 1923 appointment as a chevalier of the Legion of Honor reflects the esteem he had earned by then.
Context
As one of the first African American artists to achieve prominence in Europe, Tanner navigated racial barriers by focusing on universal themes. His religious works, including this etching, were received in France with little reference to his race, allowing his art to be judged on formal and spiritual grounds. This context shaped his choice to depict biblical narratives with restraint and emotional depth.
Legacy
Tanner’s etchings, including *Christ Walking on the Water*, influenced later generations of Black artists by demonstrating how personal identity and spiritual subject matter could coexist without overt political messaging. His technical mastery and quiet lyricism expanded the possibilities of printmaking in American art, leaving a legacy rooted in dignity and understated power.
Artist & collection
Artist
Henry Ossawa Tanner (June 21, 1859 – May 25, 1937) was an American artist who spent much of his career in France.
