Christ before Caiaphas

Rembrandt van Rijn (attributed to) 1606 - 1669

Summary

A reproduction produced by the Vasari Society of a drawing by Rembrandt. The sketch shows Christ, to the right, indicated by the burst of light around his head. He is standing before the high priest Caiaphas, who is standing near the centre of the drawing wearing a tall hat. Several other people are seated on benches around them, and a figure is standing immediately behind Christ. The background is very loosely sketched in, and is indistinct. The two top corners of the drawing are curved, creating an arch. Text from the accompanying booklet produced by the Vasari Society: "15. REMBRANDT (b. 1606; d. 1669) CHRIST BEFORE CAIAPHAS Collection of Henry Oppenheimer, Esq. From the Conningham (?) Collection. Pen and sepia. 20.5 x 18.7 cm. (8 x 7 5/16 in.). A powerful example of Rembrandt's drawing, probably belonging to the middle period of his activity. In style of drawing and the type used to represent the Christ, it is comparable to the Christ before Pilate in Stockholm (H. de G., 1557; reproduced in Kruse, Teckningar i National Museum, Stockholm, II.2). A tendency to right-angles in the figures, and a single line for the brow, are characteristics which were exaggerated into mannerisms by Philips de Koninck. A. M. H."