03/04/2025

DICASTERY FOR EVANGELIZATION
SECTION FOR FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS REGARDING EVANGELIZATION IN THE WORLD

PRESS RELEASE

“THE JUBILEE IS CULTURE” PROGRAMME

ON 8 APRIL, INAUGURATION OF THE EXHIBITION

“THE PATH OF HOPE. REMBRANDT AND BURNAND IN ROME”

(Vatican City, 03/04/2025) – From Tuesday 8 April 2025 to Sunday 25 May 2025, the Church of San Marcello al Corso in Rome will house the exhibition “The Path of Hope. Rembrandt and Burnand in Rome”. The event, part of the programme “The Jubilee is Culture”, will take place in the context of the Ordinary Jubilee 2025, promoted by the Dicastery for Evangelization.

The exhibition, curated by Don Alessio Geretti, consists of the display of two works of exceptional importance: The disciples Peter and John run together to the tomb of Christ on the morning of the Resurrection, by Eugène Burnand (1898) and The Supper at Emmaus by Rembrandt Harmenszoon Van Rijn (1629). They are two of the world’s most famous paintings dedicated to the day of Easter, the day of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The work of Eugène Burnand, presented at the Paris Salon, is an iconic representation of the disciples Peter and John who run towards the tomb on the morning of the Resurrection. The sunlight that illuminates the scene symbolizes hope and rebirth, transmitting a unique spiritual intensity. The work, acquired by the French state, is now on display at the Musée du Luxembourg, where it continues to move visitors with its powerful message of faith. Rembrandt Harmenszoon Van Rijn’s masterpiece, on the other hand, depicts the moment of revelation of the risen Christ captured in a powerful play of light and shadow. The scene, depicting the encounter of two disciples with Jesus, expresses a strong religious sentiment, highlighting the invisibility and mystery of divinity. This work by Rembrandt, which can rarely be admired in Italy, is particularly significant in the context of the Jubilee.

The two paintings, on display in Rome, offer a profound reflection on faith, hope and the power of art to transmit the loftiest spiritual messages.

The opening event of 8 April will take place at 18.00. Admission is free of charge and subject to availability of places. The exhibition, from 9 April onwards, may be visited free of charge every day from 8.00 to 20.00 at the Church of San Marcello al Corso, in Piazza San Marcello, 5.

PRESS OFFICE – JUBILEE 2025

Dicastery for Evangelization

Section for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World

press@iubilaeum2025.va