Christ Before Pilate: the large plate

Christ Before Pilate: the large plate by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) is a monumental print dating from 1636. This significant work is executed in the demanding medium of etching, representing the fourth state out of five recorded impressions. Rembrandt was already highly skilled in printmaking by this period, and this large-format print showcases his developing mastery of line work and tonal variation on copper plates, allowing him to achieve extraordinary depth.

The subject captures the highly dramatic confrontation detailed in the Gospels, focusing on the moment when the Jewish crowds demand the execution of the central figure, Christ, while the Roman governor, Pilate, attempts to wash his hands of the decision. The composition is intensely complex, featuring numerous figures of men crowded around the elevated stage where Christ and Pilate stand. Rembrandt utilizes dense layering and fine cross-hatching to create deep shadows and a palpable sense of tension as Pilate addresses the populace. This staging is typical of the Dutch Baroque period, emphasizing psychological intensity through light and shadow manipulation.

This exceptional impression is held within the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As one of Rembrandt's most ambitious prints from the mid-1630s, the piece demonstrates the artist’s inventive control of the etching process to regulate light and darkness, resulting in a powerful visual narrative. Today, high-resolution reproductions of this historical work are often found in the public domain, ensuring that the intricate details of Rembrandt’s masterful print are available globally for scholarship and appreciation.