The Presentation in the Temple with the Angel: Small Plate

The Presentation in the Temple with the Angel: Small Plate by Rembrandt van Rijn, executed in 1630, is a remarkable example of the artist’s early mastery of the etching technique. This small, highly detailed print captures a crucial moment from the Gospel of Luke, depicting the Holy Family presenting the infant Christ in the Temple, where the aged Simeon recognizes the child as the promised Messiah. The work also incorporates the appearance of an angel, subtly suggested through atmospheric light and shadow.

Created during the period 1601 to 1650, which marked the peak of the Dutch Golden Age, this etching showcases Rijn’s ability to employ dramatic contrasts of light, or chiaroscuro, even within the confines of a small copper plate. Rijn uses delicate, almost sketched lines to describe the background figures and architecture, allowing the deep shadows to create an intimate, enclosed atmosphere. This technique directs the viewer’s eye immediately to the illuminated figures of Mary, Simeon, and the infant, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the encounter.

While many Dutch artists specialized in genre scenes during this era, Rijn frequently returned to biblical narratives, imbuing them with profound human emotion and psychological depth. This piece reveals the young artist’s rapid development as a printmaker, demonstrating a fluidity and control of the needle that would define his groundbreaking approach to the medium.

As a key example of historical narrative in graphic arts, this work contributes significantly to the understanding of seventeenth-century Dutch culture. This impression of the print is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, forming part of a vital record of Rijn's prolific output. High-quality prints of such historically significant masterworks often enter the public domain, ensuring wide accessibility for research and appreciation worldwide.