The Descent from the Cross by Torchlight is a 1654 ink by Rembrandt, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching shows a dimly lit scene where a group of people struggle to lower a heavy body from a cross. The figures are wrapped in loose robes, their faces shadowed and tense. One person kneels on the ground, holding the limp arm of the body, while others pull ropes or lean on the cross. The background is dark and rough, with a faint building shape and scattered rocks. Notice how the artist used deep shadows and rough lines to create drama. The faces are blurred, making the scene feel urgent and emotional rather than clear. Next, look up etching, drypoint, aquatint to see how Rembrandt made these textures.
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
