“The Three Marys at the Tomb” is an artwork created by the Dutch master Rembrandt around 1655. Rembrandt, renowned for his contributions to the Baroque movement, crafted this piece as a sketch and study, showcasing his ability to convey emotion and narrative through dramatic use of light and shadow. This particular work is part of the collection at the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, located in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
In the artwork, the scene depicts the poignant biblical moment when the three Marys visit the tomb of Jesus Christ only to find it empty. Characteristic of Rembrandt’s sketching style, the drawing is executed with vigorous, expressive lines that impart a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity. In the foreground, an empty slab is presented where Jesus’ body was laid, illustrating the central theme of the resurrection.
The figures of the three women are sketched with a blend of detail and ambiguity, creating an effect that is both engaging and ethereal. They are adorned in flowing garments that lend a gravity and movement to the composition. Their postures and expressions exude a mixture of astonishment, devotion, and confusion in response to the miraculous event they are witnessing.
The background offers a glimpse of the ethereal, with faint indications of a landscape and the distant city, possibly Jerusalem, under a broad, arching sky. This setting contributes to the drama and mystery of the narrative. Rembrandt’s signature at the bottom right adds authenticity to the piece, ensuring viewers of the master’s hand at work. The sketch, while preliminary in nature, is rich with emotive force and a masterful use of chiaroscuro — hallmarks of Rembrandt’s celebrated oeuvre.
