The angel departing from the family of Tobit

This print documents the rich diversity of style in Rembrandt’s overall oeuvre, as well as within a single thematic group and a single period: the artist chose the manner of execution depending on the subject. His rapid use of the needle heightens the scene’s dramatic, moody atmosphere. The print represents the biblical story of Tobit, notably the moment after he returns to his father, whose eyesight he restores using the bile of a fish. He has just discovered that he was accompanied on his journey by God’s messenger, Archangel Raphael.