Medea: or the marriage of Jason and Creusa is a profound print created by the Dutch Master Rembrandt van Rijn in 1648. This dramatic work, classified as a print and utilizing the complex interplay of etching and drypoint, is printed on delicate, imported Japanese paper. The choice of this fine, handmade paper allowed Rijn to achieve unique tonal qualities and a rich, velvety burr, emphasizing the dark, psychological tension inherent in the mythological narrative.
The subject illustrates the climax of the tragedy of Medea, depicting the heartbroken sorceress facing the betrayal of her husband, Jason, who is marrying Creusa. Rijn masterfully uses deep shadow and dramatic contrast, typical of his late style, to convey Medea’s intense internal conflict and the impending horrific consequences of her wrath. The print captures the immediate moment before Medea exacts her bloody vengeance, emphasizing her magical power and anguish over her rejection.
Dating from the height of the Dutch Golden Age, this work reveals Rijn’s consistent interest in classical texts and his unique ability to translate profound literary drama into visual art. The exceptional quality of the impression on this rare paper makes it highly prized among prints produced during the artist’s most inventive period. This piece is preserved within the distinguished collection of the Rijksmuseum. Because the image is widely recognized and considered public domain, high-resolution reproductions of this masterwork are accessible for academic study worldwide, ensuring the continued appreciation of Rijn’s influential approach to narrative etching.
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