The Phoenix or The Statue Overthrown

The Phoenix or The Statue Overthrown is a profound print created in 1658 by the master draftsman Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669. This evocative image was executed using the demanding combined techniques of etching and drypoint on ivory laid paper. This technical approach was characteristic of Rembrandt’s late period in printmaking, allowing him to achieve unparalleled texture and atmospheric depth. The drypoint lines create a rich, velvety burr effect, particularly noticeable in the shadowed areas, contrasting sharply with the fine, etched lines that define the figures.

The work’s dual title, The Phoenix or The Statue Overthrown, suggests a layered symbolic narrative concerning ruin and resurrection. The subject depicts the dramatic toppling of a monument, possibly reflecting contemporary themes of political transience or the decay of earthly glory, a popular allegorical subject in the 17th-century Netherlands. However, the accompanying reference to the Phoenix-the mythical bird that rises anew from its own ashes-introduces a potent counter-theme of spiritual rebirth and enduring hope. Rembrandt expertly uses dramatic illumination, isolating the central action while shrouding the periphery in deep shadow, a technique that enhances the emotional intensity of the scene.

This powerful example of 17th-century prints is considered a masterwork of Rembrandt's graphic output, confirming his reputation as history’s greatest practitioner of etching and drypoint. This piece is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a testament to the innovation of the Dutch Golden Age. Like many significant works of this era, the image is frequently studied as part of the public domain, reinforcing the enduring artistic legacy emanating from the Netherlands.