Medea, or the Marriage of Jason and Creusa
1648
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a crowded scene inside a grand, arched room. A group of people in old-fashioned clothes stands around a stage where actors perform. On the right, a woman in a dark cloak watches, while on the left, others lean in, some holding hands or looking up at the action. The stage has a ship model and a tall column with figures climbing it. The artist used fine lines to show light and shadow, making the scene feel dramatic. The text at the bottom is in Dutch, hinting at a story about marriage and betrayal. Next, look up etching to see how artists like Rembrandt made detailed prints.