Maaltijd in Emmaüs 1611

"Maaltijd in Emmaüs" (1611) by Willem van Swanenburg (1581-1612) depicts the biblical story of the resurrected Jesus Christ revealing himself to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. The artwork, now located at the Rijksmuseum, utilizes a chiaroscuro style, creating a strong contrast between light and dark to add depth and dimension to the figures and scene. The scene depicts Jesus and the two disciples seated at a table, with one of the disciples breaking bread in a gesture of wonder and recognition. The etching is a masterful example of Swanenburg’s skill and detail, showcasing his ability to capture the emotional intensity of the moment.