Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
(Leiden 1606-1669 Amsterdam)
“Christ crucified between the two Thieves: an Oval Plate”, c. 1641
[Matthew 27: 33-56, Mark 15: 21-41 and John 19: 17-36]
etching and drypoint: 13,7 x 10,2 cm;
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Notes
We cannot say for certain exactly which moment from the strory of Christ on the cross is portrayed here, or which gospel this is based on. It is often supposed that it is Christ’s conversation with the two murderers who were crucified with him as described by St Luke. One of the two mocked Jesus, the other confessed his guilt, and was forgiven by him (Luke 23:39-43). Luke, however, makes no reference to the three Marys, who weep at the foot of the cross; they are only mentioned by St John (John: 19:18-30). Encased within an oval border, the viewer feels as though they are glimpsing in on a crucial, tragic moment and senses the loss and distress felt by the mourning masses beneath Christ’s body.
Literature
Bartsch 79; The New Hollstein Dutch 196: First state (of III).
With Nowell-Usticke An Uncommon print: Plate not in existence, lost c. 1826.
Provenance
- Ex coll. Max Egon, Fürst zu Fürstenberg (Lugt 2811)
- Nantenshi Gallery, Japan
- From whom acquired by a private collection, Japan, 1976
- Thence by descent
- Sotheby’s, London
- Private collection, The Netherlands
Exhibited
Rembrandt: Fifty Etchings, Nantenshi Gallery, Tokyo, 12-30 October 1976, cat. no. 20