Christ Stilling the Tempest ? 1662 - 1728

This red chalk drawing of "Christ Stilling the Tempest?" was made by Paolo De Matteis around the late 17th to early 18th century. It shows the biblical scene of Jesus calming a storm. The image is dominated by two distinct groups: the terrified disciples, and Christ, descending from the heavens on a cloud. Notice how Christ extends his hand downwards. This gesture, one we see recurring across millennia, signifies divine intervention and control over earthly chaos. Think back to ancient Egyptian art, where pharaohs extend their hands to show power and authority. In this case, the gesture transcends mere authority, it speaks of a power that soothes primal fears. The storm represents not only a physical threat, but also the tempest of human emotions and the subconscious. The upward gazes of the disciples draw the viewer's eye towards the figure of salvation. This is a powerful, psychological play between fear and hope. These emotional states resonate across centuries, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This motif, the calming of storms both literal and figurative, continues to evolve, reflecting humanity's enduring quest for peace and control in a turbulent world.