Rembrandt van Rijn's (1606-1669) paintings are proudly displayed in museums the world over, but his prints are too fragile to be permanently shown. This website serves as virtual collection and exhibition of Rembrandt's prints known to exist in multiple states. These sets of states have preserved his thoughts in stages, and as we draw connections between states, we can envision a part of the artistic process. Prints are also fascinating in their monochromacity, as they force the artist to derive life and drama entirely from light and shadow. Subtle and dramatic changes can appear between consecutive states, as the artist fills in detail or revises composition or tone. Separately, each state exists as a work of art and beauty, motionless. Together, they fracture the boundary between ourselves and a great artist, and through the cracks we transcend time and space.
Tom Oeste
Curator
Tom Oeste
Curator
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Rembrandt van Rijn
The Entombment, c. 1654
etching, drypoint, and burin
White/Boon 1969, no. 86, State iv/iv
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Rosenwald Collection
Rembrandt van Rijn
The Entombment, c. 1654
etching, drypoint, and burin
White/Boon 1969, no. 86, State iv/iv
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Rosenwald Collection