The Angel Departing from the Family of Tobias

The Angel Departing from the Family of Tobias, dating to 1641, is a masterful example of 17th-century Dutch printmaking by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn). Executed in etching and drypoint, this specific impression represents the eighth of nine known states, showcasing the evolution and complexity of Rembrandt’s graphic process. The work depicts the dramatic conclusion of the biblical Book of Tobit narrative, where the archangel Raphael, having guided the younger Tobias on his journey, reveals his true divine nature to the gathered Family before ascending heavenward.

Rembrandt uses the deep, velvety black lines achievable through drypoint, contrasting them sharply with the untouched areas of the plate to illuminate the scene dramatically. The figures of the elder Men, Women, and the younger Tobias recoil in astonishment, huddled together in static shock at the powerful revelation. In contrast, the figure of the Angel sweeps rapidly upwards, his wings catching the light streaming from above. This dramatic contrast between celestial movement and terrestrial paralysis exemplifies Rembrandt’s profound interest in narrative clarity and psychological intensity.

Produced during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, this print reveals the artist’s enduring mastery not only in painting but also in the graphic arts. While often celebrated for his canvases, Rembrandt was equally influential as a printmaker; his technical innovations in etching profoundly shaped the medium. Today, this work is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. High-quality prints of this Baroque masterwork are frequently available through public domain collections, allowing wide access to the detail and emotional range captured by Rembrandt.