Medea, or the Marriage of Jason and Creusa

Medea, or the Marriage of Jason and Creusa is a major print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1648. This powerful depiction from classical mythology exemplifies Rijn’s technical virtuosity in graphic arts. The image was primarily executed using etching, a technique he mastered, supplemented with touches of drypoint, which allowed him to achieve richer tonal variety and deeper lines than pure etching alone. The work is printed on European (white) paper, reflecting the common materials available during the mid-seventeenth century.

Created during the productive period spanning 1601 to 1650, this piece belongs firmly to the Dutch Golden Age. Rijn often utilized printmaking to explore dramatic and complex narrative subjects derived from classical literature and the Bible. This particular print captures the highly charged moment surrounding Jason's infidelity and subsequent marriage to Creusa, events which precipitated Medea’s tragic revenge. Rijn’s exceptional ability to manipulate light and shadow through linework draws the viewer's focus directly onto the emotional conflict of the figures, maximizing the tension inherent in the mythological tale.

The enduring technical quality and narrative intensity cemented Rijn's reputation as one of history’s most influential printmakers. His capacity to convey psychological depth using only ink and line makes this image a central example of his graphic output. This significant work, Medea, or the Marriage of Jason and Creusa, is currently housed within the collection of the National Gallery of Art. As with many important Dutch prints from this era, high-resolution reproductions are frequently offered through public domain initiatives, providing global access to the mastery of Rijn’s graphic storytelling.