The Descent from the Cross by Torchlight

The Descent from the Cross by Torchlight is a dramatic 1654 print created by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn. Executed in the complex medium of etching and drypoint, this work revisits the deeply emotional subject of Christ’s body being lowered from the cross following the crucifixion. Rijn’s artistic choice to depict the event at night, illuminated only by intermittent torchlight and candles, amplifies the intensity and sorrow of the scene. The subtle effects achieved through the medium perfectly convey the chaos and grief surrounding the body’s removal.

As a leading figure in the Dutch Golden Age (Netherlands), Rijn frequently utilized printmaking to explore religious narratives with powerful emotional depth. The combination of etching, which allows for extremely fine detail, and drypoint, which creates rich, burred shadows, was ideally suited for achieving the high contrasts evident in this composition. The brilliant white of Christ's body stands out starkly against the deep black shadows, a technique that draws the viewer's eye through the densely packed figures gathered below the cross. Rijn’s skill in manipulating light defines the psychological weight of this pivotal moment in the Passion story.

This piece stands as a definitive example of Rijn’s mature approach to printmaking, demonstrating unparalleled dexterity in handling the metal plate late in his career. Because of the lasting popularity and influence of such works, high-quality images and subsequent prints of this seminal work are often made available through the growing resources of the public domain. This impression, vital for understanding the scope of Rijn's output in the mid-17th century, is held in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.