Rijksmuseum

Christ Returning from the Temple with his Parents

Date

1654

Medium

paper

Institution

Rijksmuseum

Mary and Joseph finally find their son after three days and take him home. Rembrandt’s rendering of this rarely depicted moment is masterful. He used a great deal of drypoint in this etching; with the velvety burr, he created powerful contrasts of light and dark, which reinforce the suggestion of a sun-drenched day. You can almost feel why Joseph needs his broad-brimmed hat.

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