The stormy voyage of St. Francis Xavier after leaving Japan

The composition shows a dramatic situation namely the return trip from Japan in 1552, across the sea of China. According to his biographer the vessel that transported the saint and many passengers was hit fiercely by a storm that lasted for five days. Strong winds tore up sails and ropes, and forced sailors to distribute travellers on small boats so as to alleviate the ship. While the painter depicts this gloomy atmosphere he shows the saint in peaceful prayer, trying filled with hope to calm down the situation.