Christ Crucified between the Two Thieves (The Three Crosses)

1653

Rembrandt van Rijn

Associated Names
Rembrandt van Rijn

Artist, Dutch, 1606 - 1669

The image depicts a crucifixion scene with the central figure on a cross. Various individuals, some on horseback, are shown observing the scene. The composition employs dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, spotlighting the central figure. The lines convey depth and emotion, with a mix of sharp and soft detailing adding dynamism. The crowd is portrayed with various reactions, contributing to emotional depth. The atmosphere is somber, reflecting the seriousness of the scene.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    drypoint on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to platemark): 38.9 × 45.5 cm (15 5/16 × 17 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.9115

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    White/Boon 1969, no. 78, State iii/v

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Johann Andreas Boerner [1785-1862], Nuremberg; (sale 162, C.G. Boerner, Leipzig, 5 November 1929, lot 592); (Charles Sessler, Philadelphia); purchased 1929 by Lessing Julius Rosenwald [1891-1979], Jenkintown, PA (Lugt 1760b); given to the NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1930

  • Prints and Drawings by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) from the Collections of Lessing J. Rosenwald, Pennsylvania Museum of Art, 1930

  • Rembrandt Etchings: Lent by Mr. Lessing J. Rosenwald, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 1930.

1932

  • Etchings by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) from the Collections of Lessing J. Rosenwald, Sears, Roebuck, and Co. Art Galleries, Washington, D.C., 1932.

1933

  • An Exhibition of Prints from the Collection of Lessing J. Rosenwald, Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 1933, no. 105.

1935

  • Paintings, Drawings, and Etchings by Rembrandt and his Circle, Art Institute of Chicago, IL, 1935-1936, no. 96, repro.

1982

  • Lessing J. Rosenwald: Tribute to a Collector, NGA, 1982, no. 82, repro.

1987

  • Graphic Survey Show, National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., November 1987.

2001

  • The Unfinished Print, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2001, as The Three Crosses, repro.

2004

  • The Unfinished Print, The Frick Collection, New York; Städelsches Kunstinstitut, Frankfurt am Main, 2004-2005.

2006

  • Strokes of Genius: Rembrandt's Prints and Drawings, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Bibliography

1923

  • Hind, Arthur M. A Catalogue of Rembrandt's Etchings. London: Methuen and Co. Ltd., 1923.

1969

  • White, Christopher and Karel G. Boon. Rembrandt's Etchings. 2 vols. Amsterdam: Van Gendt & Co., 1969.

Inscriptions

recto: in plate, at bottom center: Rembrandt. f. 1653.

Wikidata ID

Q60761193

You may be interested in

Loading Results