Rembrandt van Rijn
Dutch, 1606-1669
Christ Preaching (La Petite Tombe), c. 1652
Etching, engraving, and drypoint
With raised hands, Jesus Christ draws a crowd of listeners. One of Rembrandt van Rijn’s most celebrated prints, this invented scene presents a universal picture of Christ’s ministry. Diverse onlookers—young and old, rich and poor—demonstrate realistic reactions to a sermon. Some listen intently, others snooze or let thoughts wander. Rembrandt leaves an area in front of the crowd unoccupied, allowing the viewer to step into the scene.
Velvety black areas and complex variation of line, tone and ink highlight the artist’s virtuoso use of drypoint, etching and engraving to create dramatic shadow and depth. Rembrandt’s instinctive understanding of humanity, combined with technical mastery and innovation, are compelling reasons he is considered one of the finest artists of all time.
Rembrandt van Rijn
Dutch, 1606-1669
Christ Preaching (La Petite Tombe), c. 1652
Etching, engraving, and drypoint
With raised hands, Jesus Christ draws a crowd of listeners. One of Rembrandt van Rijn’s most celebrated prints, this invented scene presents a universal picture of Christ’s ministry. Diverse onlookers—young and old, rich and poor—demonstrate realistic reactions to a sermon. Some listen intently, others snooze or let thoughts wander. Rembrandt leaves an area in front of the crowd unoccupied, allowing the viewer to step into the scene.
Velvety black areas and complex variation of line, tone and ink highlight the artist’s virtuoso use of drypoint, etching and engraving to create dramatic shadow and depth. Rembrandt’s instinctive understanding of humanity, combined with technical mastery and innovation, are compelling reasons he is considered one of the finest artists of all time.