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The descent from the cross, first plate

Written by Jaap Mulders on . Posted in Catalogue #21, The New testament.

As described in John 19, verses 38-40, the body of Jesus was removed from the cross and wrapped in linen by Joseph of Arimathea, one of His disciples.
This is the first of three prints Rembrandt would dedicate to this subject, but in this case the plate completely failed in the biting. Into the 19th century it was believed that the next etching (B81-II) was a second state of this one, it is now clear that Rembrandt abandoned the plate and started the project with a new one.

Catalogue #21, The New testament

Christ crucified between the two thieves: ‘The three crosses’

Written by Jaap Mulders on . Posted in Catalogue #21, The New testament.

One of the most dramatic and most valuable etchings shows the crucifixion of Jesus and the two thieves. It is the last of three prints dedicated to this historical moment, as described in Luke 23, verses 44-48.
The print follows the script quite closely. The conversed centurion kneeling, a fainting Mary being supported by favourite son John, the two thieves siding Jesus. Although, due to the reversal effect, the ‘good’ thief is visible on the left side of Jesus.
The plate may well be meant as a pendant to Ecce Homo (B76), made around the same year, at the same size.

Catalogue #21, The New testament

The small lion hunt (with one lion)

Written by Jaap Mulders on . Posted in Allegorical subjects, Catalogue #21, Rembrandt in black & white.

Hunting scenes were very popular in the 16th century, well-known through the prints by Philips Galle and Adriaan Collaert. The free style that Rembrandt uses in various etchings of this period (see also B 115 and B 117) is typical for this stage of development in which he had just acquired his own printing press and was experimenting, in particular with a new, softer coating.

Allegorical subjects, Catalogue #21, Rembrandt in black & white