Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn,
The Descent from the Cross by Torchlight (1/1), 1654, etching and drypoint, 8 5/16 x 6 3/8 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, purchase/gift of the Mahonri M. Young Estate.
Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn was born on this day in 1606. One of the most influential artists in history, Rembrandt is remembered for his beautiful mastery of painting light in his artworks, as well as his many self-portraits and paintings of religious subjects. This etching is one of the many religious etchings Rembrandt created in a series of the Savior's life. Rembrandt's remarkable artistry is able to capture the darkness of night and the light from lanterns as Christ's disciples prepare Christ's body.