The Entombment, over a Sketch of an Executioner

The Entombment, over a Sketch of an Executioner by Rembrandt van Rijn, executed around 1640-1641, is a complex and illustrative drawing rendered in ink on paper, characteristic of the artist's mature style in the Netherlands. Rijn often utilized drawing as a primary medium for rapid studies and exploration of compositional ideas, and this piece showcases a fascinating economy of material use.

The central subject, depicted through quick, decisive strokes of ink, is the somber moment of Christ being lowered into the tomb. The attendant figures express deep sorrow and dramatic movement, conveying the emotional intensity of the Biblical narrative—a theme Rijn returned to frequently during this period. However, the composition is superimposed over a previous, lighter sketch. Upon careful inspection, this underlying drawing appears to be a discarded figure study, likely depicting an executioner or a soldier, whose original intent was abandoned in favor of the religious scene.

Executed during the Dutch Golden Age, this sheet reflects Rijn’s evolving technique, moving toward a more suggestive and expressive use of the pen rather than relying on meticulous detail. The overlaid imagery reveals the spontaneity and working methods inherent in the master's preparatory process. The original work resides in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. As with many significant works by Rijn, this drawing has entered the public domain, allowing high-quality prints and reproductions to circulate widely for study and appreciation of his profound draftsmanship.