Christ on the Sea of Galilee

A leading advocate of Romanticism, Eugène Delacroix was fascinated by the struggles of humanity and nature and favored dramatic, emotional scenes over classical subjects. This painting depicts Jesus sleeping peacefully while his panicked disciples weather a violent storm. Delacroix painted at least six variations on this biblical theme, but this version is considered his first oil sketch for the series.

Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust through exchange of the gifts of the Friends of Art, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Parker, and the Durand-Ruel Galleries; and the bequest of John K. Havemeyer