Who painted The Entombment?

The Entombment was painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1654.

Where can I see The Entombment?

The Entombment is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Entombment?

The Entombment is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Entombment

Rembrandt van Rijn , 1654

The Entombment is a print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1992.4
Credit line: John L. Severance Fund

About this work

Overview

The Entombment is an etching by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating to circa 1654, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a somber, crowded interior where a group surrounds a cloth-wrapped body, conveying a scene of mourning or preparation for burial. Figures' reactions vary, from a man contemplatively leaning on a stick to others in shadowed, kneeling, or seated positions, evoking a range of emotions.

Technique & Style

Rembrandt employs chiaroscuro to dramatic effect, with uneven light accentuating certain faces while plunging others into deep shadow. The background's rough, textured lines suggest a confined, possibly subterranean space, enhancing the emotional intensity of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created around 1654, the etching is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, though specific details of its historical ownership or exhibition history before its current location are not provided here.

Context

While the exact biblical or literary source for The Entombment is not specified, the subject and Rembrandt's use of chiaroscuro place it within the broader context of 17th-century Dutch religious and emotional tableau traditions.

Legacy

As with many of Rembrandt's etchings, The Entombment contributes to the artist's renowned exploration of light, shadow, and human emotion, influencing subsequent artists in the manipulation of chiaroscuro for dramatic narrative effect.