Lot Essay
The subject of this print is now generally accepted to represent the scene from John XX, 19-23 when Christ appears to the Apostles. However, it could also be interpreted as Christ's second appearance eight days later, when Thomas's doubts are laid to rest.
In the late 1650s and early 1660s Rembrandt worked in two contrasting styles. Etchings of that period are executed either with great economy of line, or combine various media into a dense and highly finished composition. The current print is a prime example of the former style. Although physically present, Christ is a shimmering apparition in this fine impression. The rapidly executed lines are delicate and etched so that the forms of the Apostles seem to dissolve in the light that emanates from His figure.
In the late 1650s and early 1660s Rembrandt worked in two contrasting styles. Etchings of that period are executed either with great economy of line, or combine various media into a dense and highly finished composition. The current print is a prime example of the former style. Although physically present, Christ is a shimmering apparition in this fine impression. The rapidly executed lines are delicate and etched so that the forms of the Apostles seem to dissolve in the light that emanates from His figure.