A previously unknown painting by Rembrandt van Rijn, titled “Vision of Zacharias in the Temple,” has been confirmed as authentic by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the museum announced Tuesday. The work, dated to 1633, was submitted to the museum by a private collector in 2023 for examination.
The discovery marks a significant addition to Rembrandt’s known oeuvre. Museum director Taco Dibbits stated that the painting’s authenticity was established through extensive material and stylistic analyses, as well as examination of the painting’s technique. “Material analyses, stylistic and thematic similarities, changes made by Rembrandt and the overall quality of the painting all support the conclusion that this painting is a genuine work by Rembrandt van Rijn,” the museum said in a statement.
The painting depicts the biblical scene of the Archangel Gabriel appearing to the priest Zacharias to announce the future birth of John the Baptist. Notably, Gabriel himself is not depicted in the painting; his presence is indicated through the use of light. The work had been held in a private collection for decades, largely forgotten after being misattributed to Rembrandt’s workshop in 1960. It was purchased by a private individual in 1961 and remained out of public view until the current owner contacted the Rijksmuseum via email inquiring about its possible origins.
According to the Rijksmuseum, advanced scanner technology was employed to analyze the painting’s composition, confirming the authenticity of the signature and revealing the use of pigments consistent with other works by Rembrandt. The layering of paint also matched the techniques used by the artist during his early career, when he was 27 years old.
“Vision of Zacharias in the Temple” will be on public display at the Rijksmuseum starting March 4th. The painting is currently on loan to the museum. The discovery comes after the Rijksmuseum completed a comprehensive restoration of Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” using similar advanced analytical methods.
