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The Circumcision in the Stable, by Rembrandt, ink, 1654

The Circumcision in the Stable

Rembrandt

1654

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Dominant colour

Overview

The Circumcision in the Stable is a 1654 ink by Rembrandt, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?
Rembrandt
When & what style?
1654 · Baroque
Where can I see it?
National Gallery of Art

About this work

The image depicts a scene of a baby being circumcised in a stable, surrounded by several people. The atmosphere is somber, with the focus on the central figure of the baby. The etching technique used creates a sense of depth and texture, with bold lines and shading that add to the overall mood of the piece. In the foreground, the baby lies on a table or altar, surrounded by several figures who are watching the procedure. The background is dark and shadowy, with the suggestion of a stable or barn-like structure. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, with the focus on the central figure of the baby. The use of etching as a technique adds a sense of intimacy and immediacy to the piece, drawing the viewer into the scene. For more information on this technique, look up etching.

About the artist

Portrait of Rembrandt
Artist

Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.

See the richer artist page

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