Christ Crucified Between the Two Thieves (The Three Crosses)

Christ Crucified Between the Two Thieves (The Three Crosses), created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1653, is a monumental example of the Dutch Master's printmaking genius. This stark and complex religious scene was executed entirely in drypoint, a demanding intaglio technique where the artist draws directly onto the copper plate with a sharp point. This process raises a burr that captures ink, creating the characteristic rich, velvety black lines that define the print’s extraordinary darkness. Rembrandt's innovative use of this medium allowed him to achieve unprecedented dramatic effects, moving the print far beyond simple illustration.

The central subject is the Crucifixion, depicting Christ mounted on the cross, flanked by the two thieves. The entire composition is characterized by overwhelming shadow, emphasizing the cosmic suffering of the moment. Around the base of the crosses, a chaotic crowd of men and Roman soldiers gathers. Several figures are mounted on horses, their movements suggesting the chaos and confusion surrounding the execution. The presence of weaponry further underscores the brutality of the scene and the military force enforcing the sentence.

Created during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, this print reveals Rembrandt’s mature engagement with Biblical narrative. Unlike his earlier, more conventional approaches, the 1653 version of The Three Crosses is noted for its powerful emotional intensity and masterful control of light and shade, where the figures emerge briefly from the encompassing gloom. This famous impression is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a cornerstone example of 17th-century European prints. The lasting appeal and technical skill displayed in this drypoint confirm Rembrandt's status as one of history's greatest graphic artists.