Rembrandt van Rijn – Archangel Raphael Leaving the Family of Tobit Part 4 Louvre

The composition presents a scene steeped in dramatic lighting and emotional intensity. A figure, clearly celestial in nature due to the prominent wings, is depicted ascending into a swirling vortex of dark tones. The figures posture suggests departure, with one arm extended as if offering farewell or blessing. The billowing drapery emphasizes movement and an ethereal quality.
Below this departing presence, a family group is arranged around what appears to be the threshold of a dwelling. Their reactions are varied and poignant. An older man, leaning on a staff, gazes upwards with a mixture of reverence and sorrow. A woman stands beside him, her expression conveying a similar blend of emotions. A younger man kneels, his hands raised in supplication or perhaps gratitude, his face etched with visible distress. The youngest member of the family, a child, clings to the older mans leg, seemingly oblivious to the full significance of the event unfolding before them.
The artist employed a restricted palette dominated by browns and ochres, which contributes to the somber mood. Light is strategically used to highlight key figures – particularly the ascending figure and the kneeling man – while leaving much of the background in shadow. This chiaroscuro effect intensifies the drama and draws attention to the emotional core of the scene.
The architecture framing the family suggests a humble domestic setting, contrasting with the grandeur of the divine intervention. The presence of an animal – likely a dog – adds a touch of everyday realism to the otherwise extraordinary event.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of faith, loss, and divine grace. The departure of the celestial being can be interpreted as both a moment of relief – perhaps signifying the end of suffering or danger – and a source of profound sadness for those left behind. The family’s varied responses underscore the complex nature of human emotions in the face of the supernatural. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to reflect on the transient nature of earthly existence and the enduring power of belief.