This autumn, The Hunterian will stage one of the most significant exhibitions in its 200 year history. Rembrandt and the Passion offers visitors a unique opportunity to see one of The Hunterian's most famous paintings, Rembrandt's Entombment Sketch, alongside a number of key international loans, including masterpieces never seen before in Scotland.

The Entombment Sketch is a beautifully preserved oil painting which was purchased by Hunterian founder, Dr William Hunter, in 1771. It was the first Rembrandt painting to be added to a UK collection, making it particularly important and significant.

Featuring some 40 works, Rembrandt and the Passion tells the story of the Entombment Sketch and explains how it relates to one of the most significant commissions of Rembrandt’s career - a series of seven paintings of the Passion of Christ, produced for the Prince of Orange between 1632 and 1646.

For the first time ever, the exhibition displays the Entombment Sketch alongside the finished Entombment painting from Rembrandt’s famous series, on loan from the Alte Pinakothek in Munich. Other important loans include Rembrandt’s drawing The Entombment after Mantegna from The Metropolitan Museum in New York and Rubens’ Sketch for the Descent from the Cross from The Courtauld Gallery in London.

Recent scientific analysis has revealed new information about the Entombment Sketch and the exhibition presents the fascinating results, which include details of x-ray and pigment analysis, breaking new ground in scholarly research.

Rembrandt and the Passion gives an insight into Rembrandt’s work, going behind the scenes in his studio and revealing his painting process and the techniques he used.

The exhibition explores how Rembrandt studied the work of other great artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Rubens, how they influenced him and how he emulated their work for maximum expressive effect. Pictures that Rembrandt admired are on show alongside the works that they inspired.

Professor David Gaimster, Director of The Hunterian said:

'Rembrandt and the Passion promises to be one of the most significant exhibitions in The Hunterian’s history. Uniquely, this exhibition goes behind the scenes in the studio, revealing Rembrandt's painting process and sources of inspiration. Rembrandt also marks the re-launch of the Hunterian Art Gallery at the University of Glasgow.'

Vincent Kas, Commercial Director, AIR FRANCE KLM UK&Ireland said:

'Being the national airline for the Netherlands and market leader in connecting passengers from Scotland to the world, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is delighted to be involved in bringing our country's cultural heritage to the city of Glasgow. Rembrandt is one of our most famous and inspirational national artists and the exhibition provides a unique opportunity for people in Glasgow to see some of his finest works.'

Rembrandt and the Passion opens on 15 September and promises to be a must-see exhibition.

Rembrandt and the Passion
15 September – 2 December 2012
Hunterian Art Gallery
Admission £5.00 (£3.00 concession)

Rembrandt and the Passion is supported by KLM, Fundación Banco Santander and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Hunterian special exhibition programme is supported by Glasgow University Heritage Retail Ltd.

First published: 23 August 2012

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