“The Entombment,” created by Rembrandt circa 1635 – 1639, is a religious painting executed in oil on board. This artwork measures 93 by 69 centimeters and belongs to the Baroque movement, with a notable use of Tenebrism, which is characterized by dramatic illumination. Currently, the artwork is housed in the Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Germany.
The artwork depicts a somber scene, illuminated centrally to enhance its emotional intensity. Rembrandt masterfully uses light to draw the viewer’s eye towards the central figure, which is presumably the body of Christ after the crucifixion, given the religious nature of the painting. The figures surrounding Christ demonstrate various expressions and postures of mourning and reverence, adding to the gravity of the scene. Dark, earthy tones dominate the painting, and the use of deep shadows creates a stark contrast, highlighting the central elements of the composition. The setting appears to be a cavern or a tomb, with faint hints of a landscape visible in the background, which may suggest Golgotha, the site of the crucifixion, thus adding to the painting’s religious context. Rembrandt’s control of light and shadow contributes to the intense spiritual atmosphere and underscores the emotional weight of the moment depicted.
