Christ Presented to the People: Oblong Plate

Christ Presented to the People: Oblong Plate is a monumental print created in 1655 by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669). This piece is classified as a print and was executed using drypoint, a rigorous intaglio technique known for producing rich, velvety lines when the burr is fresh. The impression, rendered on delicate ivory laid paper, captures the psychological depth and intensity characteristic of Rembrandt's later graphic works. The work depicts the pivotal moment from the Passion narrative, where Pontius Pilate displays Christ before the assembled multitude, seeking their verdict for his crucifixion.

As a product of the Netherlands during its Golden Age, Rembrandt used the drypoint medium not just to illustrate scripture, but to analyze human behavior. The composition is horizontally stretched, accommodating a massive crowd that fills the foreground and surrounding architectural structure. The artist meticulously details the varied reactions of the public, from indifference to shock, demonstrating his keen observational skills regarding human psychology. In contrast to his earlier etchings, Rembrandt employs heavy shadow and dense cross-hatching to emphasize the dramatic tension between the solitary, illuminated figure of Christ and the overwhelming presence of the clamoring public.

This piece represents a technical pinnacle in Rembrandt’s extensive body of prints. His inventive handling of drypoint revolutionized the medium, allowing for subtleties typically associated with drawing rather than traditional reproductive techniques. The work demonstrates the 17th-century Dutch artist’s unparalleled mastery of line and tone. This masterful impression is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it significantly contributes to the study of Netherlandish graphic arts. Due to the age of the original work, high-resolution reproductions of this iconic print are widely accessible through public domain archives.