Works by famed 17th century artist Rembrandt van Rijn’s will be on display at the Columbia Museum of Art through Aug. 21 in an exhibit titled Rembrandt: From Sacred to Profane.

Perhaps best known for his dramatic self-portraits, this 19-piece exhibition focuses on the artist’s etchings for which he engraved a copper plate that was then used to make a print. The process allowed Rembrandt a chance to experiment with his work that painting did not; if a print was not to his liking he could go back and rework the engraving multiple times until the print turned out just right. The experimentation on view in Rembrandt’s etchings gives us insight into his development as an artist.

Rembrandt is especially well known for his religious subjects and, indeed, one of the most stirring pieces in this collection is his Christ Healing the Sick, in which an intricate series of delicate lines depicts the Messiah and his followers. The piece seems to glow from within. It is also known as the Hundred Guilder Print, because the artist was able to charge more than 100 guilders for it. The print is considered one of Rembrandt’s masterpieces.

But, as the title of the exhibit suggests, Rembrandt was not only interested in the spiritual. There also are etchings that depict the earthbound – nudes and beggars – with as much artistry and respect as he devoted to his religious icons.

The Columbia Museum of Art is open Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon-5 p.m. Admission to the exhibit is included in museum admission: $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and military, $5 for students and free for kids 5 and younger.

Click here for more information on Rembrandt: From Sacred to Profane.