The Tribute Money c. 1635

"The Tribute Money" is an etching by Rembrandt van Rijn created around 1635. The artwork depicts a scene from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus instructs his disciple Peter to catch a fish and retrieve a coin from its mouth to pay the temple tax. Rembrandt’s use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes strong contrasts of light and dark, creates a sense of drama and focus. This etching is considered a prime example of Rembrandt's mastery of line and his ability to convey depth and emotion through subtle variations in tone and texture. It is widely regarded as a powerful and moving interpretation of a biblical story.