Tobias and the angel Raphael

Angel next to a young man. On the left is a young man, perhaps Tobias, on the ground in a landscape. Next to him is an angel, possibly Raphael.

Etching, 1635, signed in plate Rembrandt f. 1635.

The print, considered by scholars to be anonymous, is engraved in the manner of Master Rembrandt.

Beautiful proof, impressed on contemporary laid virgin paper, trimmed to copperplate, in good condition.

The story is taken from the Book of Tobias, contained in the Old Christian Bible, and is related to the figure of the Archangel Raphael, protector of conjugal love.

It is presented as a kind of folk tale "with a happy ending" that extols the good behavior of the main characters, respecting their neighbors and the law. Even the choice of names is not accidental in the narrative; the Hebrew root of the name Tobiah, means precisely goodness, and it is precisely this virtue that is highlighted throughout the story. The narrative is set in the 7th century B.C. with text prefaced in Greek, and tells the story of Tobiah who meets Raphael - sent by God - during his journey to reach Sarah.  Archangel Raphael is considered the protector of young people, married love, engaged couples, travelers, refugees and pharmacists.