Elsje Christiaens Hanging on a Gibbet

Elsje Christiaens Hanging on a Gibbet, executed by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) in 1664, is a profound drawing rendered in pen and brown ink, with extensive use of brush and brown wash. This late work by the Dutch Master captures a grim moment of public spectacle, reflecting the harsh judicial realities characteristic of the 17th-century Netherlands.

The subject depicts the hanging body of Elsje Christiaens, a young servant girl who gained notoriety for drowning her landlady in Amsterdam after a dispute over money. Rembrandt’s approach is notably journalistic and devoid of overt drama, focusing instead on the aftermath of the execution and the setting near the Vrijdagmarkt. The composition uses the dark brown wash to create deep shadows and heighten the isolation of the young girl’s figure. While the focus is on the unfortunate subject, the surrounding details subtly reference the instruments of justice, perhaps including the axes used for breaking the bodies of certain criminals during capital punishment of the era.

This piece demonstrates Rembrandt’s mastery in capturing atmosphere and narrative through economical line and tone, particularly during the turbulent period of his later career. The depth achieved through the careful application of the wash technique elevates this drawing beyond a mere sketch into a powerful historical document. The artwork resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. As a cornerstone of historical Dutch art, many high-resolution images of this work are frequently made available in the public domain, allowing students and researchers access to quality art prints for detailed study and reference.