Anna and the Blind Tobit (c.1630) by Rembrandt

Anna and the Blind Tobit - Rembrandt - c.1630

Artwork Information

TitleAnna and the Blind Tobit
ArtistRembrandt
Datec.1630
Mediumoil,board
Dimensions47.7 x 63.8 cm
Art MovementBaroque
Current LocationNational Gallery, London, UK

About Anna and the Blind Tobit

“Anna and the Blind Tobit” is an artwork by the renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt, created around 1630. The painting, executed in oil on board, measures 47.7 by 63.8 centimeters and is classified within the Baroque movement. As a religious painting, it is part of the gallery of historical and biblical themes prevalent in the era. The artwork is currently housed at the National Gallery in London, United Kingdom, where it contributes to the narrative of religious and artistic traditions of the period.

The artwork depicts a scene from the apocryphal Book of Tobit. The scene is intimate and somber, portraying a moment of compassionate domesticity. The figure of Anna is shown in attentive care, seated beside the blind Tobit, whose affliction is suggested not only by his closed eyes but also by the sensitivity with which Rembrandt captures his seated, inward-facing pose. The palette is notably restrained, employing a chiaroscuro technique that is characteristic of Rembrandt’s style, and focuses the viewer’s attention on the interaction between the two figures. The natural light that filters through the window further emphasizes the contrast between light and shadow, thereby enhancing the emotional and spiritual gravity of the scene.

Details such as the spinning wheel signify Anna’s diligence, while the humble domestic setting underscores the piety and resilience of the characters. The quiet strength and serenity emanating from the subjects are qualities that resonate with the religious and humanistic narratives of the period. Through this work, Rembrandt not only communicates the story but also captures the universal themes of faith, perseverance, and care, hallmarks of his mastery of the Baroque idiom.

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