Rembrandt – Belshazzars Feast Part 6 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a dramatic scene unfolding around a lavishly laden table. A central figure, richly adorned and turbaned, dominates the foreground with a gesture of astonishment or perhaps accusation directed towards a supernatural manifestation. This apparition appears as luminous script hovering in the air, seemingly suspended within a cloud of smoke or vapor. The light source is intensely focused on this group, creating stark contrasts between illuminated areas and deep shadow that envelops much of the background.
Several other figures are arranged around the table, their reactions varying considerably. One man, positioned to the left of the central figure, appears deeply distressed, his face contorted in an expression of fear or anguish. A woman, partially visible on the right side of the canvas, recoils with a gesture of alarm and covers her face. Other individuals are depicted in states of shock, confusion, or quiet contemplation. The artist has rendered their faces with meticulous detail, conveying a range of emotional responses to the unfolding event.
The table itself is piled high with vessels of silver and gold, alongside an abundance of fruit – grapes being particularly prominent – suggesting a scene of opulent indulgence. This material wealth stands in sharp contrast to the impending doom implied by the inscription appearing in the air. The artist’s use of chiaroscuro – the dramatic interplay of light and dark – amplifies the emotional intensity of the moment, drawing attention to key figures and emphasizing the spiritual significance of what is occurring.
Subtleties within the painting suggest a complex narrative beyond the immediate visual impact. The positioning of the hands – the outstretched arm of the central figure, the recoiling hand of the woman – contribute to the dynamism of the scene. The inclusion of diverse ages and expressions among the figures implies that this event affects all levels of society. The overall effect is one of profound psychological depth, hinting at themes of divine judgment, hubris, and the consequences of transgression against religious law. The artist seems less interested in a literal depiction of an event than in exploring the human response to a moment of revelation or crisis.