The etching Deposition from the Cross was created by Dutch artist Rembrandt in his early period of creative work. He had just moved from Leiden to Amsterdam and was still developing his manner. In 1632 Rembrandt received a large commission from Frederick Hendrick, the Prince of Orange, for two paintings on the subject of the Passion of Christ: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross and The Deposition from the Holy Cross. The Protestant Prince wanted to get the paintings for his private chambers where he could pray all by himself. Rembrandt completed the canvases in 1633.

The body of Christ is emaciated and tormented, his arms and legs are twisted, his posture expresses suffering. Rembrandt painted himself standing on the ladder. The body of Christ is emaciated and tormented, his arms and legs are twisted, his posture expresses suffering. Rembrandt painted himself standing on the ladder.  

Rembrandt practiced engraving throughout all his creative life: from 1626 through 1665; outside of the Netherlands he was known as an engraver. He preferred the technique of etching, ant only few could duplicate his practices. Significant stylistic differences with etchings of his contemporaries allow scholars to assume that Rembrandt was self-taught. He used his chisel more liberally than others, often made his lines irregular, added the dry needle technique and repeated etching treatment, which provided more light to his etchings and made them look like paintings. Nonetheless, despite his casual strokes, the etchings by Rembrandt are realistic.

Rembrandt created around 300 etchings, 80 copper plates survived till our days, the rest reached us in the form of prints. Rembrandt took good care of his plates and did not make many prints, therefore no museum in the world has a complete collection of prints of the Dutch Master.