The Blindness of Tobit 1651
rembrandtvanrijn
light pencil work
pen sketch
pencil sketch
sketch book
etching
personal sketchbook
sketchwork
ink drawing experimentation
pen-ink sketch
sketchbook art
"The Blindness of Tobit" is an etching created in 1651 by Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn. The print depicts the biblical story of Tobit, who was blinded by the dung of birds while he was praying. The figure of Tobit, an elderly man with a long beard, is shown standing in a doorway and reaching out with his hand, while a small dog sits at his feet. Rembrandt's distinctive style is evident in the use of hatching and cross-hatching to create a sense of depth and texture, and the dramatic interplay of light and shadow that adds to the poignancy of the scene.
Comments
A succinct embodiment of pathos, this print came toward the end of Rembrandt's long fascination with the Book of Tobit. It focuses on the approach of Tobit's long-absent son while exploring the idea of inner and outer vision. Hearing Tobias's dog, Tobit topples a spinning wheel in his effort to reach the door, which eludes him as he poignantly stumbles toward his shadow. His senses are of little use, Rembrandt implies; Tobit must look to his faith for direction.
Join the conversation
Join millions of artists and users on Artera today and experience the ultimate creative platform.
CollectMore like this
