The Entombment, after Mantegna

The Entombment, after Mantegna by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn), is a profound preparatory drawing exploring the solemn biblical narrative. Executed during the artist’s prolific career spanning 1620 to 1669, this intricate work showcases Rembrandt’s mastery of graphic media and his technical versatility. The piece was created using pen and brown ink, combined with liberal applications of brush and brown wash, layered over initial groundwork in red chalk, and finally heightened with white opaque pigment for dramatic contrast and luminosity.

The subject centers on the moment of Christ’s burial, capturing the intense gravity and sadness among the surrounding figures. Rembrandt depicts a complex arrangement of men and women gathered around the figure of Christ being lowered into the sepulchre. The skillful application of the brown wash deepens the shadows, emphasizing the weight and sorrow of the scene, while the heightening directs the viewer’s eye and defines the structure of the bodies. This contrast between light and shadow heightens the emotional intensity inherent in the theme of Entombment.

The designation "after Mantegna" indicates Rembrandt’s deep engagement with the compositions of earlier Italian Renaissance masters, utilizing existing works as inspiration for his own innovative interpretations. This practice of study and adaptation is characteristic of many of Rembrandt’s influential drawings. Today, this vital record of the Dutch master’s process is housed in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a widely recognized example of Rembrandt’s graphic output, this drawing continues to serve as a key reference for scholars, and high-quality prints of the piece are accessible to the public.