Christ Crucified Between Two Thieves; oval plate

The powerful biblical scene depicted in Christ Crucified Between Two Thieves; oval plate by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) is rendered in the demanding medium of etching and drypoint. This impression represents the first of two known states of the work, created between 1636 and 1646. This timeframe places the piece firmly within the flourishing Dutch Golden Age, where Rembrandt was actively exploring how to convey profound emotional narratives through the accessibility and detail of prints.

Unlike some of Rembrandt's later, more theatrical renderings of religious subjects, this early treatment is notable for its compressed, oval format, which focuses viewer attention intently on the three central figures. The composition depicts Christ flanked by the two thieves, all suffering upon their crosses. Rembrandt utilizes the drypoint technique masterfully to create rich, velvety blacks and deep shadows, defining the forms of the men and emphasizing the solemnity and isolation of the event. The subtle variations achievable in these prints demonstrate the artist’s groundbreaking approach to printmaking, pushing the technical limits of the copper plate.

As one of the most celebrated printmakers in history, Rembrandt frequently returned to the subject of the Crucifixion, transforming traditional imagery through his intense psychological realism. This etching is a significant example of his early graphic style and is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of the era and the status of the artist's foundational works, high-quality images of this piece, like many of Rembrandt’s influential prints, are often made available through public domain resources, allowing broad study of the master's technical evolution.