The Entombment

The Entombment by Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606-1669) is a powerful and emotionally resonant example of the artist's printmaking proficiency during his mature period. Executed sometime between 1649 and 1659, this classification is an etching realized on ivory laid paper. As a pivotal contributor to the artistic output of the Dutch Golden Age, Rembrandt continually refined his mastery of the etching technique, utilizing the needle to achieve complex tonal variations and a profound sense of atmosphere rarely matched in the prints produced by his contemporaries across the Netherlands.

This work depicts the profoundly somber moment following the deposition, where the body of Christ is gently lowered or prepared for burial. Unlike earlier, more dramatic interpretations of the Passion narrative, Rembrandt centers the composition on the quiet solemnity and sorrow of the intimate group surrounding the deceased. The technical brilliance is evident in the skillful manipulation of line work and subtle cross-hatching, which creates deep pockets of shadow that dramatically isolate and illuminate the central action. This sophisticated handling of light and dark emphasizes the psychological weight carried by the mourners, demonstrating Rembrandt’s mature approach to religious narratives.

Produced during a decade when Rembrandt was particularly celebrated for his prolific graphic output, this impression stands as a foundational piece of 17th-century Netherlandish art history. The enduring power of etchings, such as The Entombment, ensured that the artist’s unique vision could circulate widely, providing crucial reference material for subsequent generations of artists. This finely detailed work is permanently housed within the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.