The Triumph of Mordecai
1641
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketchy black-and-white scene shows a crowd of people gathered in what looks like a public space. At the center stands a tall figure in fancy robes, holding a scroll and pointing upward, while others around him seem to be reacting—some looking up, others gesturing. The background has a faint sketch of arches and buildings, and the whole image feels busy and full of movement. The artist used lines and shading to create depth, making some figures stand out while others blend into the chaos. This style was common in etchings, where the artist scratches into a metal plate to print the image. Look up etching to see how artists like Rembrandt made these detailed prints.