Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem

Despite the warnings in his prophecies, Jeremiah has to witness the fall of his beloved Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar’s troops set the city on fire. In the distance to the left Zedekiah can be seen, holding his fists before his eyes. Zedekiah was the last king of Judah and was made blind by the soldiers.

Jeremiah sees it all in sorrow. His figure is lighted beautifully, with his elbow leaning on a book with the side text Bibel. Michelangelo depicted the prophet in a similar position.

Rembrandt made this painting while in Leiden, before moving to Amsterdam in 1631. He then often used the blunt end of his brush to cut and carve in the paint.