The Tribute to Caesar

AfterAfter Rembrandt van Rijn (Leiden, Netherlands, 1606 - 1669)

AssociatedAssociated with Jesus Christ

Datec. 1635

Mediumetching on paper

ClassificationsPrints

DimensionsPlate Size: Height: 7.4 cm, Width: 10.5 cm
Frame: Height: 33.9 cm, Width: 28.9 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1919.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG006809

Keywords

About MeThis is a small, early plate by Rembrandt, but his fascination with light and darkness is already clear. Christ is placed centrally in the dark space, His light illuminating the room. The print dates from the same year as the small 'Crucifixion' (opposite).

'The Tribute to Caesar' portrays Christ responding to a question posed by the Pharisees who were trying to trick Him on a point of law. Rembrandt adheres to the biblical text: Jesus asks whose name and image is on the coin that pays the census tax, and when he is told, "Caesar's", He responds, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”