The Three Crosses

The Three Crosses is a monumental print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1653. This profound religious composition, classified as a print, showcases the artist’s groundbreaking mastery of etching and drypoint techniques. Unlike the traditional European paper used for many prints of the era, this specific impression was rendered on delicate Japanese paper. This specialized, handmade medium significantly enhances the velvety richness of the ink and the dense atmospheric effects achieved through the drypoint burr, a quality sought after by Rijn's most discerning collectors.

The scene depicts the moment of the Crucifixion, focusing not only on the central figure of Christ but also on the chaos, deep emotional turmoil, and complex crowd dynamics surrounding the three crosses. Rijn utilizes stark contrasts of light and shadow, characteristic of the Baroque period, to draw the viewer’s eye toward the illuminated figures while soldiers, mourners, and witnesses dissolve into the surrounding darkness. The intensity of the subject reflects the 17th-century Dutch engagement with spiritual narratives and Rijn’s personal explorations into human suffering.

This exceptional impression of The Three Crosses demonstrates why Rijn is considered one of history’s greatest printmakers. The work is a critical piece in the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it is held among other definitive examples of Dutch Golden Age art. The enduring fame and historical importance of Rijn's graphic art often place high-resolution versions of these master prints into the public domain, allowing widespread scholarly and public access.