The Storm on the Sea of Galilee 1633 by Rembrandt 2.5 oz Silver Coin

2.5 oz 999 Fine Silver Coin – Republique du Tchad 2024 – 10000 Francs CFA

Completed by Dutch Golden Age painter Rembrandt van Rijn in 1633, “The Storm on the Sea of Galilee” is known for its vivid imagery of a biblical event and the exploration of themes in faith and nature against human frailty.

The artwork features the biblical story from the Gospel of Mark (4:35-41), where Jesus calms a storm on the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Tiberias). While crossing the sea in a boat, Jesus Christ and his disciples are caught in a violent storm. Rembrandt vividly captures the tumultuous nature of the storm through thick, visible brushstrokes to build up texture. The sea is depicted with turbulent waves crashing against the boat, which is shown tipping perilously to the left. The windblown sails and the figures struggling with the rigging convey the violent force of the storm.

Christ, depicted in the center foreground of the painting, stands with his right hand raised to cease the storm. The central placement emphasises Christ’s pivotal role as the focal point of divine intervention amidst the chaos of the storm. Rembrandt’s use of chiaroscuro (the contrast of light and shadow) further adds depth and drama to the scene, highlighting the turmoil of the storm and the divine presence of Christ amidst chaos.

“The Storm on the Sea of Galilee” is notable as the only seascape painted by Rembrandt and one of his few works with a biblical theme. Its theft in 1990 added to its mystique and fame, as the painting remains missing. The dynamic portrayal of a biblical miracle and the interplay of light, movement, and emotional expression has influenced generations of artists and continues to inspire viewers today.

On a canvas of 165 x 125mm, a new minting technique called “Tri-Metal ” was applied to give this piece its remarkable weight while keeping its proportions true to the actual painting. This is made possible by combining 750g of Zinc as a center layer and 120g of copper as a base with a top layer of 2.5 oz of 999 fine Silver, resulting in a high relief. This is a limited edition of 399 pieces only. Each piece is packaged and delivered with a Certificate verifying its edition number and authenticity.