The Entombment is a significant print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1654. Rendered primarily through etching and drypoint on paper, this profound work depicts the solemn, grief-stricken moment following the Crucifixion, where the body of Christ is lowered into the tomb. As one of the most prolific printmakers of the Dutch Golden Age, Rijn frequently returned to biblical narratives, using the dramatic potential inherent in the graphic arts to explore themes of suffering, faith, and profound human emotion.
This piece exemplifies the artist’s mature style, characterized by a masterful command of light and shadow (chiaroscuro). Rijn contrasts the luminous, carefully rendered body of Christ against the deep, enveloping darkness of the cave-like tomb. The figures surrounding Christ-mourners, disciples, and possibly Joseph of Arimathea-gather in intimacy, their sorrow communicated through subtle postures and expressions rather than exaggerated gestures. Unlike many contemporary depictions, the focus here is less on spectacle and more on the private tragedy unfolding among the participants.
The technical brilliance evident in the hatching and textural variation of this print confirms Rijn’s reputation as an innovator whose handling of the etching medium dramatically influenced subsequent generations of artists. This exceptional example of 17th-century Dutch graphic art is preserved in the extensive prints collection of the Rijksmuseum. As one of the great masterpieces now available within the public domain, The Entombment remains essential viewing for understanding the complexities of the Dutch Baroque period.
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