The Blindness of Tobit: The Larger Plate

"The Blindness of Tobit: The Larger Plate" by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, is a powerful print created in 1651, depicting a key moment from the Apocryphal Book of Tobit. The scene captures the sudden domestic drama following Tobit’s accidental blinding when a swallow's droppings fell into his eyes (Tobit 2:9-10). Rembrandt frequently returned to this narrative, often exploring themes of suffering, faith, and patience that resonated deeply within the religious atmosphere of the Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Age.

Executed using etching enhanced by drypoint on ivory laid paper, the work showcases Rembrandt's profound technical skill in printmaking. Drypoint allows for velvety, rich lines and deep, nuanced shadows, essential for conveying the cluttered interior setting and the emotional weight of the narrative as Tobit reaches out blindly toward his wife, Anna. The use of etching as the primary classification medium emphasizes the artist's control over light and shadow, highlighting the psychological intensity that defines much of Rembrandt’s output from the 1650s.

The specific designation "The Larger Plate" distinguishes this detailed impression from the slightly smaller version Rembrandt produced earlier, indicating the artist's commitment to refining his interpretations of the subject matter. This deeply affecting print is an outstanding example of Rembrandt’s late graphic output, where his focus shifted toward profound psychological realism rather than dramatic action. The piece is part of the extensive collection of prints held by the Art Institute of Chicago. Because this 17th-century Dutch masterwork is now widely distributed, high-quality images of this compelling scene are often available in the public domain, ensuring global access to Rembrandt’s powerful vision of faith and hardship.