Gospel in Art: Jesus rebuked the winds and the seas

The Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Rembrandt 1633 © Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, USA

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 4 July 2023
Matthew 8:23-27

Jesus got into the boat followed by his disciples. Without warning a storm broke over the lake, so violent that the waves were breaking right over the boat. But he was asleep. So they went to him and woke him saying, 'Save us, Lord, we are going down!' And he said to them, 'Why are you so frightened, you men of little faith?' And with that he stood up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and all was calm again. The men were astounded and said, 'Whatever kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey him.'

Reflection on the stolen painting

This stunning painting is Rembrandt's only seascape, and early in the morning of the 18th of March 1990, two thieves disguised as police officers broke into the museum in Boston and stole this work. It has never been seen since. In all, thirteen artworks were stolen, with a combined value of $500 million. When the two were let into the museum, they told the security guard on duty that there was a warrant out for his arrest. When the security guard stepped out from behind the front desk, he was 'arrested' by the two men, turned to face the wall and handcuffed. A second security guard arrived at the scene and was promptly handcuffed. At that point the two thieves admitted they were not police officers and that their intention was to rob the museum.

We are looking at a violent storm, the main sail torn, dark clouds all round, with just a small opening in the top left corner letting in some sunlight to add to the dramatic effect by highlighting the panicking disciples at the front of the boat, as they try to hold the boat together. One disciple is sea sick leaning over the boat. Rembrandt painted himself here as well, holding his cap on his head and a rope in the other hand. Jesus is painted in the darker section at the back of the boat, just after waking up. We can almost hear him say today's Gospel words 'Why are you so frightened, you men of little faith?' The boat is at a sharp 45-degree angle, almost throwing the viewer out of balance as well…

What Rembrandt depicts is exactly the contrast between the disciples' terror and fear and the tranquility of Christ. The disciples' reaction is natural: they were in imminent danger. But what is beautiful to see is that, whilst most of disciples were fishermen or certainly well versed to the sea, yet they instinctively cry to Jesus when the storm comes, rather than relying solely on their own expertise. They turn to Christ for help. As Christians, we too must rely on our master every step of the way.

It is however also a passage about unbelief, where Christ rebukes the disciples for having too little faith. Looking at the luminous head of Christ here, we can almost see the disappointment on his face. We realise, however, that Christ is never neglectful of his followers when they face hardships, storms or troubles. He may seem to delay his response at times, and just as when he slept we may not feel always a strong presence, at the right moment he will do all that is necessary to help and guide us…. and help us through any storm….

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-8-23-27-2023/