Description
Head of Christ
Circle of Rembrandt, 17th Century
Throughout his career, Rembrandt van Rijn explored the character of Jesus. He did this through scriptural narratives, as well as a series of portraits he created with the artists who worked with him in the studio. This portrait is an intimate study of Christ. Rembrandt sought out a Jewish man from the streets of Amsterdam as his model for Jesus.
In depicting the Savior as a common, recognizable type, Rembrandt not only sought for realism but emphasized His humility; Jesus is a man born into humble circumstances who lived as one of us—an approachable and relatable Savior, perhaps more in line with Dutch Reformation ideals. Jesus looks out with a gentle expression. He appears thoughtful, his hand tucked into his jacket symbolizing the life of the mind—likely alluding to the Reformation era’s focus of meditating upon the word. The luminous glow of the background and concentrations of warm light on Christ’s face, heighten his soft expression and manifest a Redeemer who inspires love within the viewer because of His own perfect love and compassion for humankind. (“Rend the Heavens,” 9/13/19- 1/2021)
Note: The present work is one of a group of paintings once attributed to Rembrandt, but now considered to be by various members of his large and talented studio. However, an example in the Gemaldegalerie, Berlin, may be by Rembrandt himself. The present work comes closest in composition to a painting in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
What’s Going On?
Portrait of Christ, including his head and torso. His left hand is partially visible, the rest is hidden under jacket. Head is angled at a three-quarter view; his left side of his face is in shadow. Eyes look off into distance.
This work was on display in our Beholding Salvation Exhibition. Learn more here.
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