The Supper at Emmaus

The Supper at Emmaus by Rembrandt van Rijn is an exceptional 1654 print, executed primarily in the demanding techniques of etching, burin, and drypoint. This impression represents the first of two known states, capturing the freshness and vigor of Rembrandt's initial vision. As a master printmaker, Rembrandt used these combined methods to achieve deep contrasts and a nuanced, painterly texture, which set this work apart from most contemporary prints.

The scene illustrates the Gospel of Luke passage where the resurrected Christ reveals his identity to two disciples (the Men) during a simple meal (Food) in Emmaus. Rembrandt achieves dramatic intensity through the manipulation of light and shadow, characteristic of his late period. The figure of Christ is suddenly and dramatically illuminated, contrasting sharply with the deeply shaded area surrounding the table. This selective lighting maximizes the emotional impact of the recognition moment, emphasizing spiritual epiphany over physical action.

Dating from Rembrandt’s later career, this piece reflects his continued, profound exploration of Christian iconography through the intimate medium of graphic prints. The scale of the work heightens the spiritual significance and emotional intensity of the narrative. This impression is housed in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serving as a definitive example of the Dutch master’s unparalleled output in printmaking. Since the original creation date of 1654 falls outside modern copyright protections, high-quality images of this remarkable work are often available through public domain collections, allowing broad access to Rembrandt’s mastery of the printed image.