The Circumcision in the Stable

"The Circumcision in the Stable," created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1654, is a profound example of the artist's mastery of printmaking during the Dutch Golden Age. This rare piece is classified specifically as an etching, existing as the third of five known states. The subtle variations across these states illustrate Rembrandt's meticulous, iterative working process as he refined the details on the copper plate over time. The careful manipulation of the etched line and drypoint technique allows the artist to achieve dramatic tonal depth, focusing the viewer’s eye on the central action through intense contrasts of light and shadow.

The subject matter addresses the biblical moment of the Circumcision of Jesus, typically mandated eight days after birth. Rembrandt departs from conventional depictions set in the temple, instead placing the scene within the rustic familiarity of the stable. Groups of men and women gather around the central ritual. The composition highlights the infant Jesus being held by the officiant while the Virgin Mary is visible resting in the background, observing the ceremony.

As a print, this work showcases Rembrandt’s ability to imbue small-scale religious narratives with human realism and intimate psychological depth. The focus on domesticity and the sensitive portrayal of the figures attending the event cemented the artist’s reputation as a leading graphic master. This historically significant etching, The Circumcision in the Stable, is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a key reference for Rembrandt's late graphic output.