Flemish school, workshop of Jan Brueghel known as “Velvet”

(Brussels 1568–1625)

Christ Preaching from a Boat on the Lake of Gennesaret

Oil on round panel, diameter 34 cm

Concise reworking of the theme of Christ preaching from a boat, initiated by Jan Brueghel the Elder (Munich) and taken up by Jan Brueghel the Younger (Stockholm).

Seated in a boat, Our Lord instructs a crowd of people of all ages and ranks gathered on the shore of the Lake of Gennesaret. Positioned at the end of the boat, Saint Peter, his oar motionless in his hands, also listens with deep attention. Behind the son of Zebedee, Andrew and James, their feet in the water, struggle to haul in their nets, whose weight suggests they are full of fish. On the left, at the far end of the lake, rises the city of Capernaum; to the left, it advances into the waters.