Rembrandt’s work will be exhibited in public after its authenticity was verified

Amsterdam. The oil Zechariah’s vision in the temple, by Dutch painter Rembrandt, will go on public display tomorrow for the first time in decades at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, after researchers at that museum authenticated the painting.

For two years, experts compared the piece with other paintings by the artist, so, using advanced techniques used during the restoration of The night watch, It was possible to certify the work painted in 1633, coming from a private collection.

“The analysis of the materials, the stylistic and thematic similarities, the modifications made by Rembrandt and the overall quality of the painting confirm the conclusion that this canvas is an authentic work by Rembrandt van Rijn,” the venue said in a statement.

After the studies, which included analysis of the oak on which the work was painted, the color and thickness of the paint, they indicated, according to the experts, that the materials used in Zechariah’s vision in the temple They are also present in other works by the painter. Likewise, it was confirmed that the signature on the painting is original.

“It is incredible that this painting, whose existence we were unaware of, was sent to us by someone who sent us an email to ask if it was a Dutch painting, without really knowing what he had in his hands,” said Taco Dibbits, director of the museum.

Jonathan Bikker, curator of the Rijksmuseum, explained that the constitution of the piece is “typical of Rembrandt. It is a somber painting and (…) he, of course, plays with the contrast of light and darkness.” For her part, Petria Noble, a researcher specialized in the paintings of that artist, maintained that the work fits perfectly with the work of the painter at the same time, when he was 27 years old.

“The year 1633 marks the beginning of Rembrandt’s career in Amsterdam, and at that time he became very interested in biblical stories and history books.”

The painting, purchased by an individual in 1961, shows the biblical moment in which the priest Zechariah learns from the archangel Gabriel, represented by a light coming from the upper right corner, that, despite his advanced age, he will have a son.