Image source: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain). View source
Belshazzar's Feast
Rembrandt · Baroque & Dutch Golden Age
- Artist
- Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606–1669)
- Date
- c. 1635–1638
- Dimensions
- 167.6 x 209.2 cm
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Location
- National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
Belshazzar's Feast illustrates the Old Testament story of the Babylonian king who held a great banquet using sacred vessels looted from the Temple in Jerusalem. Suddenly a hand appears and writes a mysterious message on the wall, foretelling his downfall.
A closer look
Belshazzar, in a glittering turban and golden cloak, twists round in terror towards the glowing Hebrew letters that a disembodied hand traces on the wall. His guests recoil: a woman in red spills wine from a goblet, another leans back, and gold vessels tumble on the table. Rembrandt, still in his early theatrical style, uses blazing light and dramatic gestures to freeze the moment of shock. That same night, according to the Bible, Belshazzar was killed.
More by Rembrandt
In this gallery
The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp
The Night Watch
Self-Portrait with Two Circles
The Return of the Prodigal Son
The Storm on the Sea of Galilee
Danaë
Bathsheba at Her Bath
Syndics of the Drapers' Guild
The Jewish Bride
Famous works elsewhere
- Self-portrait 1669