Rembrandt (1606-1669)
Christ resurrected
1661
Oil on canvas, 78.5 x 63 cm
Alte Pinakothek, Munich
With this late work, Rembrandt created a particularly haunting and moving painting of Christ after he had risen from the dead. Without showing the marks of the passion and crucifixion, and illuminated by a barely perceivable halo, the life-sized figure of Christ boldly faces the viewer straight on. However, he is not depicted in a triumphal pose. Instead, he looks with benevolence and understanding at the viewer who becomes the direct recipient of the message that the resurrection promises redemption. (APM)