The Entombment

The Entombment is a powerful print created by the celebrated Dutch Master, Rembrandt van Rijn, during a prolific period spanning 1649 to 1659. This deeply atmospheric composition, an essential example of Baroque religious imagery, showcases Rembrandt’s exceptional command of etching and drypoint techniques. The impression is particularly significant as it represents the first of four states, offering crucial insight into the artist’s careful and iterative process as he refined the light and shadow across the plate.

The subject matter depicts the solemn moment after the Crucifixion, focusing on the burial of Christ. A group of men carefully lowers the body into the tomb, creating a triangular composition defined by profound sorrow and gravity. Rembrandt utilizes intense chiaroscuro to heighten the drama; deep shadows surround the figures, emphasizing the soft radiance illuminating Christ’s body and the faces of the mourning men. The meticulous application of drypoint creates rich, velvety blacks that enhance the texture and darkness, pulling the viewer into the private, intimate ritual.

As one of the most innovative prints produced by the artist, this piece demonstrates Rembrandt’s revolutionary approach to graphic media, treating the copper plate with the complexity usually reserved for painting. Dating from the height of the Dutch Golden Age, the work reflects the period’s enduring engagement with biblical narrative. This specific impression of The Entombment resides in the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. High-quality reproductions and prints of this historical artwork are frequently made available through public domain initiatives for scholarly research and widespread appreciation.