Healing of Peter`s Mother in law (1660) by Rembrandt

Healing of Peter`s Mother in law - Rembrandt - 1660

Artwork Information

TitleHealing of Peter`s Mother in law
ArtistRembrandt
Date1660
Art MovementBaroque

About Healing of Peter`s Mother in law

The artwork titled “Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-law” by Rembrandt, created in 1660, is an emblematic example of the Baroque period, categorized under the genre of sketch and study. This piece exemplifies the stark chiaroscuro and the intense emotional drama characteristic of Baroque art.

The artwork portrays a biblical scene with three figures, likely depicting the moment when Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law, as described in the New Testament. The central figure, assumed to be Jesus, is portrayed in the act of healing the woman lying before him. This woman, presumably Peter’s mother-in-law, is rendered with a sense of frailty and submission, indicative of her illness and her need for healing.

The figures are sketched with dynamic, vigorous strokes that convey movement and emotional intensity, which are hallmarks of Rembrandt’s mastery. The loose and expressive lines suggest the rapid capture of a moment, highlighting Rembrandt’s ability to convey deep human emotions and interactions. The simplicity of the sketch with its limited detail focuses the viewer’s attention on the interpersonal connection and the miraculous event taking place.

Drapery cloaks the figures, adding to the dramatic effect through the contrast of light and shadow, a technique Rembrandt is renowned for. Despite being a study, the artwork is imbued with a sense of immediacy and narrative power, inviting contemplation on the themes of compassion, healing, and divinity.

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