Faust in his Study
about 1652
This is one of Rembrandt?s most puzzling prints, as its exact subject is a mystery. It shows an elderly scholar in his study, transfixed by the apparition of a blazing disc of light enclosing a series of letters. The scene may represent an alchemist, but does not correspond with traditional representations of the subject. Although nicknamed `Faust?, it does not accord with any passage in Marlowe?s `Dr Faustus?. The shining disc also remains unexplained, although the letters `INRI? match the inscription placed over Christ?s head during the crucifixion. The scene possibly shows an allegory of faith; the letters surrounding the disc are intended to be indecipherable, reminding the learned scholar that human knowledge is limited and ambiguous, in contrast with the clarity of divine wisdom.
