The Entombment c. 1654

"The Entombment" is an undated etching by Rembrandt van Rijn, currently held at the Art Institute of Chicago. Rembrandt was a master of capturing human emotion and social dynamics, and this piece is no exception. The scene depicts the burial of Christ, cast in dramatic chiaroscuro. Rembrandt uses light and shadow to draw our attention to the faces of the mourners. Notice how they are a diverse group of people. Their expressions convey a deep sense of loss and grief. Rembrandt was deeply interested in depicting Biblical scenes with a focus on human emotion and empathy. This approach reflected the changing religious and cultural landscape of the 17th century, with its increasing emphasis on personal piety and individual experience. Rembrandt challenges traditional, idealized representations by grounding his religious narratives in the everyday experiences of ordinary people. The raw emotion and empathy in this print serve as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity in the face of death.