The artwork titled “Tobit and Anna with the Kid” was created by the renowned artist Rembrandt in the year 1645. This piece is executed in oil on board, a choice of medium and support that is quite characteristic for the time. Measuring just 20 x 27 cm, the artwork is relatively small in scale. It belongs to the Baroque period, known for its dramatic use of light and shadow, and evocative of movement and emotion. As a religious painting, it engages with themes and narratives from biblical texts. This particular piece is housed at the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, Germany.
In “Tobit and Anna with the Kid”, Rembrandt captures a tender and intimate moment from the apocryphal Book of Tobit. The scene is steeped in a warm, golden light that bathes the interior setting where the figures of Tobit and Anna are depicted. The soft illumination highlights the contours of the space and gently emphasizes the two characters. The elderly Tobit appears to be seated, conversing with Anna, who is standing and gestures expressively. Her posture and demeanor suggest a sense of engagement and perhaps concern, reflective of the narrative’s moments of tribulation and tenderness.
Rembrandt’s mastery in rendering light and textures is evident in the contrasts between the illuminated parts of the room and the deeper shadows cast by the architectural features. The use of chiaroscuro—strong contrasts between light and dark—enhances the depth and volume of the figures, drawing the viewer’s attention to the central characters and their interaction.
Engaging with the artwork, one can appreciate the delicate brushwork and nuanced palette that Rembrandt employs to convey the scene’s emotional resonance, deeply anchored within the religious and moral context of the story. Despite its small size, the artwork resonates powerfully, exemplifying Rembrandt’s ability to convey complex narratives and human emotions within a single, compelling visual composition.