The Entombment

The Entombment, created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1654, is a profound example of the Dutch master's genius in the medium of printmaking. Classified as a print, the work utilizes a sophisticated combination of etching, drypoint, and burin techniques. This methodology allowed Rijn to achieve complex tonal variations, moving beyond simple line work to produce the deep shadow and dramatic luminosity characteristic of his mature style during the period 1651 to 1700. This era marked the height of the Dutch Golden Age, and Rijn’s extensive output often focused on intensely psychological and humanizing interpretations of traditional religious narratives.

The subject, drawn from the New Testament, depicts the moment Christ's body is lowered into the grave following the Crucifixion. Rijn minimizes background detail, focusing the viewer’s attention tightly on the central action and the emotional weight carried by the grieving figures surrounding the scene. The dramatic use of chiaroscuro and deep shadow, achieved through dense cross-hatching and the rich, velvety burr characteristic of the drypoint line, emphasizes the solemnity of the event. This darkness contrasts sharply with the pale, illuminated figure of Christ. As one of the most celebrated producers of artistic prints in history, Rijn continually explored the technical and emotional limits of the copper plate.

This impressive piece is held within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., and serves as a vital record of the artist’s later career in printmaking. Masterworks such as The Entombment offer art historians critical insight into the subtle shifts of Dutch visual culture during the 17th century. Because the work is generally recognized as being in the public domain due to its age, high-quality reference copies of these historical prints remain widely accessible for study and appreciation globally.