The Tribute Money

The Tribute Money by Rembrandt van Rijn is a significant example of 17th-century Dutch printmaking, dating from approximately 1630-1640. Classified as a print, this small-scale work utilizes the combined techniques of etching and engraving to achieve rich textural variation and dramatic depth. During this pivotal era in the Netherlands, Rijn was exploring complex religious and biblical subjects, often employing dramatic lighting characteristic of the Baroque period. The etching allowed the artist greater spontaneity in line work, while the engraving provided the necessary structure and deep, velvety blacks required for intense tonal contrast. Rijn’s mastery of these distinct processes solidifies his reputation as one of history's greatest printmakers.

The subject matter draws from the Gospel narrative in which Christ is confronted by Pharisees regarding the legality of paying taxes to Roman authorities. This scene offered Rijn the opportunity to explore concentrated psychological tension and render subtle variations in facial expressions among the figures gathered. Although the specific date range falls within Rijn's early maturity, the careful composition and control of light and shadow foreshadow the emotional depth present in his later work. As an influential piece created during the Dutch Golden Age, numerous impressions of The Tribute Money were circulated, ensuring the availability of high-quality prints today, often through public domain collections. This particular impression of the work is preserved within the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.