Circumcision in the Stable by Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt van Rijn 1606-1669 | Dutch Circumcision in the Stable Etching on paper Bartsch 47, first state of II Signed and dated "Rembrandt f. 1654" (upper left and center left) This incredibly evocative, original 17th-century etching is by one of the supreme geniuses in the history of art, Rembrandt van Rijn. This particular impression, the first state of two, depicts the circumcision of Christ and exhibits Rembrandt’s amazing ability to create an expressive, atmospheric scene with a simple etching needle and a copper plate. His mastery of printmaking and etching is unrivaled even to this day, earning him an international reputation during his lifetime and placing him among the greatest artists of all time. Christ's circumcision is briefly recounted in the Gospel of Luke, 2:15-22: "the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem... And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger... And when eight days were accomplished for th