Activity 4.1 Art Practice

Activity 4.1 ART PRACTICE

Select an artwork from a local artists or a famous piece ( The storm on the sea of Galilee) Apply the Feldman model of art criticism to describe, analyze, interpret, and evaluate the artwork.

---- Let’s apply the Feldman Model of Art Criticism to The Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Rembrandt van Rijn (1633). This painting is one of Rembrandt’s most dramatic works and was stolen in the infamous 1990 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist.

1. Description (What do you see?)

In this painting, a small fishing boat struggles in the midst of a violent sea storm. The boat is tilted dramatically as giant waves crash over it. Thirteen men—Jesus and His twelve disciples—are seen reacting in various ways: some panic, one is vomiting, others try to stabilize the sails, and one man appears calm, likely representing Jesus. The sky is ominous, with dark clouds dominating the upper half of the canvas. There's a strong contrast between light and shadow.

2. Analysis (How is the work organized?)

Rembrandt uses chiaroscuro (the contrast of light and dark) to emphasize the drama and tension of the scene. The light highlights the figures in the foreground, drawing attention to their emotional responses. The composition leads the viewer’s eye from the crashing waves up to the figures and then toward the sky, emphasizing the chaos and divine power in nature. The diagonals of the boat and sails create dynamic movement. There’s also a psychological contrast—chaos among the disciples versus calmness in Christ.

3. Interpretation (What does it mean?)

The painting captures the biblical story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35–41). Symbolically, the sea can represent life's turmoil and uncertainty. The different reactions of the disciples mirror human responses to crisis: fear, doubt, panic, and faith. Jesus’ calm presence signifies spiritual reassurance and divine control over nature. Rembrandt might also be suggesting the power of faith in overcoming life’s tempests.

4. Evaluation (Is it successful? Why or why not?)

This work is highly successful artistically and emotionally. Rembrandt’s ability to depict such vivid emotion, movement, and drama in a single frame is masterful. The painting invites viewers to reflect on their own responses to fear and faith. Its ongoing relevance and emotional impact centuries later testify to its enduring power. The fact that it remains missing adds a layer of intrigue and tragic loss to its legacy.