The Triumph of Mordecai

The Triumph of Mordecai is a powerful etching and drypoint created by Rembrandt van Rijn between 1636 and 1646. This monumental print illustrates a pivotal scene from the Book of Esther (6:11), capturing the highly charged moment when Mordecai, arrayed in royal robes, is led through the streets of Shushan by his reluctant rival, Haman. Rembrandt utilized the combined techniques of etching for linear structure and drypoint to achieve rich, velvety black tones and deep shadows, reflecting his constant experimentation with graphic media during the Dutch Golden Age.

The composition centers on the dramatic procession, where the triumphant figure of Mordecai sits astride a stately horse, guided by a humbled Haman on foot. The narrative drama is amplified by the surrounding crowd, visible as a mass of onlookers spilling out from the lower right and filling the architectural background. Rembrandt masterfully employs strong contrasts of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) characteristic of his Baroque style, allowing the viewer to focus immediately on the central group of men and the triumphant equine subject. This ambitious work stands as one of the most significant narrative prints in the artist’s oeuvre.

Surviving impressions of The Triumph of Mordecai are highly prized, showcasing the intricate detail and narrative depth only achievable through Rembrandt’s mastery of the drypoint process. This superb impression is housed in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As one of the most famous historical prints from the 17th century, the enduring recognition of this work ensures that high-quality images of Rembrandt’s masterpieces are widely accessible, often entering the public domain for study and appreciation.