The Triumph of Mordecai

The Triumph of Mordecai is an important print created by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, during the prolific years between 1636 and 1646. This work is classified as a print, executed using the meticulous techniques of etching and drypoint on buff laid paper. The combination of these methods allowed the artist to achieve a rich density of line and varying tonal effects, distinguishing his graphic work from that of his contemporaries in the Netherlands.

The subject matter is drawn from the Old Testament Book of Esther, a popular source of narrative drama during the Dutch Golden Age. The scene illustrates the climax of the story, where the Jewish courtier Mordecai is honored by King Ahasuerus, riding a horse through the streets of Shushan. Crucially, the villain Haman, who had plotted Mordecai’s death and the destruction of the Jewish people, is often depicted leading the horse, humbled and disgraced. Rembrandt was renowned for focusing not just on the grand spectacle, but on the intense psychological drama of these biblical moments, capturing the complex emotions of triumph and despair within the composition.

As one of the most celebrated printmakers of the 17th century, Rembrandt utilized the etching medium to widely disseminate his interpretations of classical and religious subjects. The depth and textural variation present in this piece demonstrate the artist’s mastery of manipulating line and shadow to create dramatic illumination. This exceptional example of Dutch printmaking is currently housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Today, because this historical artwork is so widely referenced, high-quality images and prints are frequently made available through public domain initiatives worldwide.