Jael Killing Sisera

Jael Killing Sisera is a dynamic drawing executed by Rembrandt van Rijn between 1658 and 1659. Created during the height of the Dutch Golden Age in the Netherlands, this work showcases the artist’s mastery of narrative drawing in his final years. Unlike his expansive oil paintings, this piece is rendered quickly and vigorously on paper using deck paint and ink, characteristic of the working methods Rijn employed for preliminary studies or rapid visualizations of dramatic biblical scenes. The directness of the medium lends an immediacy to the violent subject matter, drawn from the Book of Judges.

The composition captures the decisive moment when Jael, a Kenite woman, drives a tent peg into the sleeping Canaanite general Sisera’s head, fulfilling the prophecy of his defeat by a woman. Rijn employs stark contrasts and economical line work to heighten the drama. The careful application of ink allows for deep shadows, focusing the viewer’s attention on the brutal act and the figures’ tense postures. This technique reflects the expressive capabilities Rijn developed in his drawing practice, which often informed the creation of his highly sought-after prints.

As with many works from this period, the subject matter emphasizes powerful female figures and dramatic moral choices. This drawing is held in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it serves as an important record of the Dutch master’s late-period draftsmanship. Documentation, including high-resolution prints, ensures that this exceptional drawing is preserved and widely accessible under public domain guidelines.