The man of Gibeah 1646

Rembrandt van Rijn made this drawing, "The Man of Gibeah," with pen and brown ink sometime in the 17th century. The story it depicts comes from the Old Testament book of Judges, chapter 19. It is a disturbing tale, which makes this drawing a particularly interesting subject. The book of Judges tells the story of a society without a king, where people did as they pleased. The narrative is of the near-collapse of Israelite society. In the story, a man and his servant seek lodging in Gibeah. They are taken in by an old man, but then the city's men demand that the host turn over the guest for their pleasure. What happens next is horrific and triggers a civil war. Rembrandt made this drawing in the Dutch Republic during its Golden Age. It was a time of great artistic production, but also of social and religious upheaval. The Dutch Republic was a Protestant nation, and the Bible was a central text for many people. Rembrandt's image invites us to reflect on the dark side of human nature, and the consequences of living in a society without laws or moral guidance. Historians consult many sources when researching an artwork. The Bible and historical writing from the period help to understand the drawing's cultural context.