The Entombment

The Entombment, created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1654, is a profound example of the artist’s dramatic mastery in printmaking. This work, classified as a Print, employs the sophisticated combination of etching, drypoint, and burin techniques. This meticulous approach allowed Rijn to achieve extraordinary tonal depth and textural variety, particularly the rich, velvety blacks characteristic of drypoint, which convey the solemn atmosphere of the biblical narrative.

The subject illustrates the emotional moment immediately following the Crucifixion, depicting the preparations for Christ’s burial. As a leading figure in Dutch art during the period spanning 1651 to 1700, Rijn consistently returned to New Testament themes, rendering them with intense human emotion and his signature focus on light and shadow. The use of concentrated illumination emphasizes the vulnerability of Christ’s body while drawing the viewer’s eye toward the mournful gestures of the attending figures.

This piece dates to the artist’s later career, a time characterized by both personal difficulty and profound technical innovation. The complex layering of media demonstrates Rijn's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of graphic technique. The enduring historical and artistic significance of this image is recognized by its inclusion in major global collections, including the esteemed holdings of the National Gallery of Art. Like many masterworks created by this influential Dutch artist, high-resolution reproductions of these important prints are often accessible through the public domain, securing the continued study and appreciation of Rijn's genius.