The Circumcision

The Circumcision is an important early etching created by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating to the early period between 1620 and 1630. This delicate print showcases the young artist’s emerging command over the demanding etching technique, utilizing the needle and acid process to achieve remarkable textural variations and dramatic contrasts in tone. Even in this small format, the work already signals the profound engagement with biblical narrative scenes that would characterize Rembrandt’s career.

The subject illustrates the traditional Jewish ritual of the circumcision of the infant Jesus, a scene documented in the Gospel of Luke. Rembrandt concentrates the viewer's focus on the intimate moment of the ceremony, surrounding the central figures with a dense arrangement of supporting characters. The composition relies on strategic groupings of men, including the officiating priests and other witnesses, positioned to amplify the emotional intensity of the action. The skillful manipulation of light and deep shadow, a hallmark of the Dutch Golden Age, serves to highlight the vulnerability of the infant while anchoring the viewer’s attention.

As a foundational example of Rembrandt's early commitment to the graphic arts, this piece exemplifies how the artist adapted dramatic painting principles to the medium of prints. The masterful handling of chiaroscuro translates effectively into the monochromatic etching, creating a powerful sense of atmosphere. This rare work is currently held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of the age and profound artistic significance of the etching, high-resolution images and copies of this masterwork are widely distributed, frequently appearing in the public domain for scholarly study and general appreciation.