Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669),
The Descent from the Cross: Sketch (1/1), 1642, etching and drypoint, 5 13/16 x 4 9/16 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art,
purchase
/gift of the Mahonri M. Young Estate, 1959.
Today is the Feast Day of Nicodemus, according to many traditions in WEstern Christianity. Nicodemus, mentioned several times in the Gospel of John, was a Pharisee who believed in the words of Christ. This etching by Rembrandt depicts Jesus Christ's disciples removing His body from the cross following the crucifixion. Chapter 19 of John states that Nicodemus was one of those present at this solemn time.