Fine Art

The Descent from the Cross by Torchlight — History & Facts

Here Rembrandt renders only the lower part of the Cross, with men carefully lowering Christ’s body to be buried. They are deadly still. Someone under the ladder illuminates them with a torch, the only source of light in the scene.

Everything immediately around the flame is brightly lit, but slightly further away the details vanish into the darkness of the night.

More Artworks by Rembrandt van Rijn

Father embraces his son in an etching by Rembrandt van Rijn

The Return of the Prodigal Son

Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt's 'The Crucifixion' depicts a dramatic moment in a religious context.

The Crucifixion

Rembrandt van Rijn

A man in a feathered hat smiles and raises a glass while holding a woman on his lap, both dressed in elaborate 17th-century clothing with a table of objects nearby.

Rembrandt and Saskia in the Scene of the Prodigal Son

Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt's self-portrait showcases his mastery of light and shadow.

Self-Portrait in a heavy Fur Cap: Bust

Rembrandt van Rijn

Portrait of an old woman with clasped hands, painted by Rembrandt in 1661.

Portrait of a Seated Old Woman with Clasped Hands

Rembrandt van Rijn

A young woman with softly curling brown hair wears a lace-edged cap and an intricate white lace collar over a deep black dress against a warm brown background.

Portrait of a Young Woman

Rembrandt van Rijn

A woman stands by a door with a faint smile, wearing a deep red shawl and jewelry, illuminated against a dark background.

Portrait of Hendrickje Stoffels

Rembrandt van Rijn

A self-portrait of Rembrandt van Rijn, showcasing his confident gaze and elaborate costume.

Portrait of Rembrandt

Rembrandt van Rijn

Self-portrait of Rembrandt van Rijn, showcasing his introspective gaze and aged features.

Portrait of the Artist

Rembrandt van Rijn

Portraits of Jean Pellicorne and his son Casper by Rembrandt, showcasing their expressions and attire.

Portraits of Jean Pellicorne and his Son Casper

Rembrandt van Rijn

Browse all

More Religious Art

A triptych showing a lush garden with nude figures and animals on the left, a vibrant central panel of nude humans and fantastical creatures, and a dark, fiery hellscape with tortured figures on the right.

The Garden of Earthly Delights

Hieronymus Bosch

Father embraces his son in an etching by Rembrandt van Rijn

The Return of the Prodigal Son

Rembrandt van Rijn

A young woman in a red dress and blue mantle sits on a rock with two children, one holding a small bird, set against a landscape of hills and trees.

Madonna of the Goldfinch

Raphael

Rembrandt's 'The Crucifixion' depicts a dramatic moment in a religious context.

The Crucifixion

Rembrandt van Rijn

Rubens' depiction of Christ on the Cross with Mary, Mary Magdalene, and St John in a moment of profound grief.

Christ on the Cross with Maria, Mary Magdalene and St John

Peter Paul Rubens

A muscular female figure in an orange robe twists her body holding a massive open book above her head, with a young attendant seated behind her.

Libyan Sibyl

Michelangelo

Browse all