Golden light from the rising sun breaks through billowing clouds from night’s turbulent storm. Solid and steadfast, Christ miraculously strides upon the surface of rippling waves. This story is told in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and John. Christ’s disciples cross the Sea of Galilee in a boat ahead of their teacher, who stays behind to pray. By morning, they are amazed to see him gliding toward them. Here, Christ meditates calmly while the faraway boat is a tiny sketch on the horizon, emphasizing the solitary nature of his burden amid this wonder.

Le Christ marchant sur la mer (Christ Walking on the Sea), Pierre Roche (Pierre-Henry-Ferdinand Massignon), French, 1855–1922 c. 1900 Pencil and watercolor