International Art — A175: Fine Art, Contemporary Art, Vintage Design, Furniture, Wine & Spirits
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, a Dutch Baroque painter and printmaker, was born on July 15, 1606, in Leiden, Netherlands, and died on October 4, 1669, in Amsterdam. He is celebrated as one of the greatest storytellers in art history, acclaimed for his adept portrayal of human emotions and dramatic narratives. Rembrandt's extensive oeuvre includes portraits, self-portraits, landscapes, genre scenes, allegorical, historical, and biblical themes, as well as animal studies. His artistry shined during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by cultural and scientific achievements in the Netherlands.
Rembrandt's education in art began around the age of 10 when he left the Latin School in Leiden to train as an artist. He apprenticed with artists like Jacob van Swanenburg and Pieter Lastman, mastering various aspects of painting. He opened his own studio in Leiden around 1624 or 1625, sharing it with his colleague Jan Lievens. By 1631, he had moved to Amsterdam, where he achieved significant success and trained many important Dutch painters.
Among Rembrandt's notable works are "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp" (1632), "The Night Watch" (1642), and "The Syndics of the Amsterdam Drapers’ Guild" (1662). He was also renowned for his self-portraits, creating around 80 over his lifetime, more than any other artist until the 20th century. These self-portraits were not just artistic endeavors but also experiments with facial expressions and lighting effects. Additionally, Rembrandt was a master etcher, transforming etching from a reproductive technique into an art form.
Rembrandt's painting style is characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro. His ability to depict materials realistically was unparalleled; his portrayal of metals and fabrics was so lifelike that they appeared to glow and be tangible. He was also known for his impasto technique, applying paint thickly to the canvas, adding a three-dimensional quality to his works.
Despite his artistic prowess, Rembrandt faced financial difficulties and personal tragedies throughout his life. He declared bankruptcy in 1656, a downfall attributed partly to his extensive collection of art objects and curiosities. His masterpieces, however, continued to garner appreciation and influence generations of artists that followed.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Rembrandt's works represent a pinnacle of artistic achievement in the Dutch Golden Age. His mastery in portraying the human condition and his innovative techniques in painting and etching make his works highly prized and influential in the art world.
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Salvator Rosa was a seventeenth-century Italian Baroque painter. He is also known as an engraver, poet and actor.
Salvator Rosa left a very diverse artistic heritage. He was interested in historical, religious, mythological and fantastic subjects, he painted landscapes, battle scenes, portraits, still lifes. Having joined the naturalists of the Neapolitan school of painting, Rosa, however, showed originality in his treatment of subjects. For example, in his paintings on historical themes he combined realistic images with fantastical composition.
The biography of Rosa himself, full of adventures, subsequently became the subject of legends, books, paintings and musical works.
Works of Salvator Rosa today are represented in many museums and private collections in Europe and Russia.
Donato Creti was an Italian painter of the Rococo period, active mostly in Bologna.
One memorable conceit in Creti's output is a series of small canvases depicting celestial bodies, disproportionately sized and illuminated, above nocturnal landscapes.
Jacob Duck was a Dutch artist, celebrated for his etchings and paintings that vividly capture the essence of daily life, military scenes, and figures during the Dutch Golden Age. Born around 1600 in Utrecht, Jacob Duck initially trained as a goldsmith before turning his focus to painting, under the guidance of Joost Cornelisz Droochsloot. His journey took him from Utrecht to Haarlem and finally to The Hague, showcasing his adaptability and the breadth of his work across different Dutch cities.
Jacob Duck's artistry is distinguished by its intimate portrayal of soldiers and everyday scenes, marked by a keen observation of social interactions and the human condition. His works, housed in prestigious museums like the Hermitage Museum, underscore his significant contribution to art and culture, bridging the gap between the personal and the universal in the 17th century Dutch society.
One of his notable works, "A Couple in an Interior with a Fortune-Teller," housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies Duck's unique approach to narrative in art. This painting diverges from the era's typical jovial depictions of fortune-tellers by presenting a scene charged with a palpable tension, reflecting Jacob Duck's ability to infuse his works with depth and complexity. The painting's intricate details and the backstory of its subjects further illuminate Duck's skill in blending storytelling with visual artistry, making him a pivotal figure in Dutch painting.
For collectors and art experts, Jacob Duck's oeuvre offers a fascinating glimpse into the Dutch Golden Age's socio-cultural landscape, characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of human emotions. His legacy continues to captivate and inspire, underscoring the enduring relevance of his work in the realms of art and history.
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Roelof Jansz van Vries is a Dutch painter known for his landscapes.
Roelof Jansz van Vries was a member of the Harlem Guild of St Luke's from 1657. His work reflected the typical Dutch Golden Age style, characterised by meticulous attention to detail, atmospheric lighting, a sense of depth and realistic depictions of nature.
Charles-Emile Jacques was a French painter of Pastoralism and engraver who was, with Jean-François Millet, part of the Barbizon School. He first learned to engrave maps when he spent seven years in the French Army.
