Head of Christ

Rembrandt van Rijn

Created:
Movement:
c. 1650
Gothic art
key Notes:
Gothic Spirituality, Expressive Iconography
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Dimensions:
16 3/4 x 13 1/2 in
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

Created around the mid-17th century by Rembrandt or his workshop, this painting belongs to a small group of devotional heads that sought to offer a more naturalistic image of Christ. Departing from idealized conventions, the artist (or studio assistant) based these portrayals on Jewish models from Amsterdam, reflecting Rembrandt’s innovative approach to sacred imagery and his ability to imbue religious subjects with human immediacy and compassion.

Description of the work:

Head of Christ, by Rembrandt's workshop (or in his style.)

Head of Christ presents a tender, contemplative likeness of Jesus, shown with long hair, soft features, and a gentle downward gaze. Painted with warm, subdued tones and subtle highlights, the work emphasizes spiritual humanity rather than majesty, in keeping with Rembrandt’s characteristic interest in intimate, emotional realism.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Head of Christ