The Entombment

The Entombment by Rembrandt van Rijn, dated 1654, stands as a profound example of the artist’s mature printmaking prowess. This powerful religious scene was executed using a combination of etching, drypoint, and burin techniques. Rijn’s sophisticated choice of these intaglio methods allowed him to achieve rich, velvety black tones and subtle textural variations, crucial for conveying the dramatic lighting typical of his works from the 1651 to 1700 period. As a key figure in Dutch art, Rijn frequently returned to biblical narratives, utilizing the affordable, widely disseminated format of prints to explore intense human emotion and theological themes.

The composition focuses intensely on the moment Christ’s body is lowered into the tomb, surrounded by figures consumed by profound sorrow. Rijn masterfully employs deep shadows and isolated bursts of light, which heighten the emotional weight of the scene. The subtle effects achieved through drypoint burrs create an atmospheric chiaroscuro that emphasizes the pallor of Christ’s body against the surrounding darkness. Unlike his earlier, more crowded compositions, Rijn here simplifies the architecture of the tomb, directing the viewer’s focus entirely to the act of burial and the individual expressions of grief among the mourners.

Produced near the height of the Dutch Golden Age, this print exemplifies the era's demand for accessible, high-quality reproducible religious imagery. Rijn’s command of etching techniques made his prints highly sought after across Europe. This particular impression of The Entombment is housed within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., preserving its place as a cornerstone of 17th-century European graphic art. Given its age and cultural significance, masterworks like this piece are often made available for study through public domain initiatives facilitated by major institutions.