It is essential to note that the painting Christ Preaching, 1652 by Rembrandt can be characterized as an instrument for receiving aid in achieving immortality. Jesus Christ pronounced before his disciples and the assembled crowd. This address consisted of related sentences and teachings to be interpreted in the general context of Jesus’ gospel. The explanation and instruction that Jesus provides listeners should explain to others in order for them to recognize how to interpret God’s commandments and obtain his mercy. Accordingly, adherence to the rules he describes in the picture will guarantee people the attainment of immortality in the form of paradise after earthly life.
The picture belongs to the art form of engraving and contains a religious scene depicted in the Baroque style, the golden age of Holland. The artist chose the technique to perform etching, and the material was paper. Engraving is part of graphic art, as the primary symbolic tools in developing prints are strokes and stripes. It is significant to emphasize that the artist selected this particular material and technique to preserve the painting properly for future generations. Thus, it is directly related to the function of communicating to the public the coming of Jesus to earth and the commandments he left to his audience.
I like the painting’s image of human reaction to Jesus’ story. Interestingly, some people listen thoughtfully, while others seem to already think about his words. I believe this is because individuals attempt to evaluate their actions through the prism of his statements. At the same time, the child playing during the sermon demonstrates that little ones cannot commit sins and be held accountable for them. Therefore, the contrast in the reactions of Jesus’ listeners that the author portrayed impressed me the most.