Christ crucified between the two thieves: an oval plate.

During his lifetime, Rembrandt's extraordinary skills as a printmaker were the main source of his international fame. Unlike his oil paintings, prints travelled light and were relatively cheap. For this reason, they soon became very popular with collectors not only within, but also beyond the borders of the Netherlands. It also explains why, three centuries later, they were affordable for Sir John Ilott, who presented 37 Rembrandt prints to the National Art Gallery.

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.

Te Papa's impression is the last of three states, dating from the 18th century, when shaded areas were reworked with a mezzotint rocker.

References: New Hollstein Dutch 196, 3rd of 3 states; Hollstein Dutch 79, 2nd of 2 states.

 

See:

 

Christopher-Clark Fine Art, http://clarkfineart.com/artists/old-masters/rembrandt-van-rijn/christ-crucified-between-the-two-theives-an-oval-plate/

 

Masterworks Fine Art, https://www.masterworksfineart.com/artist/harmensz-van-rijn-rembrandt/christ-crucified-between-two-thieves-oval-plate-c-1641/

 

Dr Mark Stocker   Curator, Historical International Art     August 2017