The Image Seen by Nebuchadnezzar

The Image Seen by Nebuchadnezzar is a profound print created by the master draftsman Rembrandt van Rijn in 1655. This piece exemplifies the artist’s prolific and masterful output in the medium of etching during the later stages of the Dutch Golden Age (1651 to 1700). Rijn utilized a complex combination of printmaking techniques for this work, integrating the precise lines of traditional etching with the richer, burr-laden textures achieved through burin and drypoint. This hybrid method allowed the artist to manipulate shadows and light with exceptional depth and atmosphere, achieving the deep tonal contrasts that characterize his finest graphic work.

The subject is drawn from the biblical narrative in the Book of Daniel (Chapter 2), detailing King Nebuchadnezzar’s prophetic dream of a colossal, composite statue representing the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms. As was common among Dutch artists of the period, Rijn brought intense psychological depth to the scene, focusing not only on the visualized object but on the weighty, overwhelming nature of the revelation upon the king. The effective use of chiaroscuro in this print creates a deeply shadowed environment, enhancing the drama and theological significance of the divinely inspired vision.

Dating from the zenith of Rijn’s career, this etching demonstrates his enduring commitment to exploring complex narratives and intense human emotion purely through line work and tonal variation. The sophistication of the technique, particularly the delicate use of drypoint to achieve rich, velvety blacks, elevates the work beyond a simple illustration. This specific impression of the work is held in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a critical example of 17th-century Dutch graphic arts. Today, high-quality prints and studies related to this powerful composition often enter the public domain, ensuring broader access to Rijn's profound legacy.