Beheading of John the Baptist c. 1640 - 1641

This preparatory drawing for "The Beheading of John the Baptist" (c. 1640-41) by Rembrandt van Rijn, a master of Dutch Golden Age painting, showcases the artist's process. Executed in black chalk on paper, the drawing offers a glimpse into Rembrandt's initial conception of the scene. It depicts the moment of John the Baptist's execution, with the executioner in the foreground and the saint's body lying in the background. This preliminary sketch reveals Rembrandt's remarkable ability to capture dramatic movement and emotion even in a preliminary study.