The Three Crosses

The Three Crosses by Rembrandt van Rijn, created in 1653, is one of the artist's most celebrated large-scale prints. Executed primarily in drypoint and burin on paper, this work showcases Rijn’s unparalleled command of the graphic medium during the height of the Dutch Golden Age. The intricate technique and dramatic manipulation of light established this piece as a cornerstone of European printmaking.

The subject depicts the harrowing climax of the New Testament narrative: Christ’s crucifixion, flanked by the two thieves. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Rijn continually reworked his religious subjects, producing multiple states that dramatically alter the atmosphere and narrative focus. This version, highly valued for its intense contrasts and deep shadows, demonstrates the powerful emotional impact the artist achieved by manipulating the darkness surrounding the central figures. The artist’s skillful use of dense cross-hatching and the characteristic drypoint burr lends a profoundly painterly quality to the final impression.

This particular work is held in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum, serving as a key example of Rijn’s approach to religious iconography in the mid-17th century. The intense detail and expressive power of The Three Crosses cemented its place in art history. As a major masterwork, original prints often form part of public domain initiatives today, ensuring widespread access to high-quality reproductions of this monumental historical artwork and preserving the legacy of this great master of prints.