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Rembrandt van Rijn

The Descent from the Cross: Second Plate

1633
Etching and burin on ivory laid paper
51.2 × 40.5 cm (20.2 × 15.9 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Rays of heavenly light pierce the darkness that is said to have descended when Jesus died, harshly illuminating his followers as they lower his body from the cross. Rembrandt depicts Jesus’s corpse with unprecedented realism, emphasizing its weight and humanity. Also unconventional was Rembrandt’s choice to lend his features to the figure standing on the ladder. This imposing print was based on a painting Rembrandt executed for the prestigious patron Prince Frederick Henry of Orange—perhaps as a way to celebrate that milestone in his career.

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