Jacob's Ladder is a 1655 ink by Rembrandt, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows a chaotic scene of three men tangled in a dark, swirling space. One man kneels, his head thrown back as if in pain or wonder, while another leans over him, gripping his shoulder. A third figure stands in the background, arms raised awkwardly, as if caught mid-motion. The lines are thick and scratchy, making the figures look rough and urgent. Notice how the artist used sharp, jagged lines to create texture—even the fabric and skin look like they’re made of quick, nervous strokes. The date in the corner (1655) hints this was made when Rembrandt was experimenting with printmaking techniques. Want to see more? Check out the technique: etching, drypoint, aquatint.
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.
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