Christ Taken before Caiaphas

c. 1641–42

studio of Rembrandt van Rijn

(Dutch, 1606–1669)

Culture

Netherlands

Medium

pen and brown ink and brush and brown wash, with white gouache

Support

Beige(1) laid paper laid down on cream(3) laid paper

Measurements

Sheet: 18.2 x 23.4 cm (7 3/16 x 9 3/16 in.); Secondary Support: 18.2 x 23.4 cm (7 3/16 x 9 3/16 in.)

Credit Line

Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1960.187

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Location

Not on view

Description

The first drawing purchased by the museum as a Rembrandt is now considered by experts to have been made by a follower of the Dutch artist. The scene depicts Christ being led to his first interrogation after his capture in Gethsemane (John 18:12–14), an unusual subject that may be paraphrasing the traditional portrayal of Christ carrying the cross. Here, the exhausted figure of Christ, contrasted with the brutal features and cruel gestures of the soldiers, produces an image that resonates with emotion. However, stylistic details, particularly the use of wash that creates a vague space and the lack of clarity and directness in Christ's face, suggest that this drawing was executed by a student or follower working in Rembrandt's style.