Eularia Clarke (1914-1970)
Oil on canvas laid down on board
62 x 62
1963
Methodist Modern Art Collection
CLA/1965/2
Image Copyright © Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes. The Methodist Church Registered Charity no. 1132208
Biblical commentary
Luke 8: 22–25
Eularia Clarke shows Jesus leaning forward, calming the storm. The boat is in extreme danger of being swamped, with several people already swept overboard and near to death. The crew have had the presence of mind to reef the sail when the storm arose. The blue, black and white pillow (looking more like a travelling rug) on which, according to Mark’s Gospel, Jesus was sleeping, is portrayed in the stern of the vessel. The artist said: ‘I keep praying, “This is meant to be your Son, don’t let him look like just any ordinary human.” I wouldn’t be dragged all that way to Mass by a man who just lived and taught a long time ago.’
Commentary based on A Guide to the Methodist Art Collection.