Rembrandt van Rijn (1606 - 1669)

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606 - 1669) - photo 1

Rembrandt van Rijn

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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Date and place of birt:15 july 1606, Leiden, The Netherlands
Date and place of death:4 october 1669, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Nationality:The Netherlands
Period of activity: XVII century
Specialization:Artist, Engraver, Painter
Art school / group:Dutch School, Guild of Saint Luke
Genre:Allegory, Genre art, Portrait, Religious genre, Self-portrait
Art style:Baroque, Old Masters
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Creators The Netherlands

Elizabeth Vigee Le Brun (1755 - 1842)
Elizabeth Vigee Le Brun
1755 - 1842
Jozef Israëls (1824 - 1911)
Jozef Israëls
1824 - 1911
Hendrik Gerrit ten Cate (1803 - 1856)
Hendrik Gerrit ten Cate
1803 - 1856
Jaap Wagemaker (1906 - 1972)
Jaap Wagemaker
1906 - 1972
Jan Willem Pieneman (1779 - 1853)
Jan Willem Pieneman
1779 - 1853
Jacob Van Velsen (1597 - 1656)
Jacob Van Velsen
1597 - 1656
Johannes Leemans (1633 - 1688)
Johannes Leemans
1633 - 1688
Dirk Maes (1659 - 1717)
Dirk Maes
1659 - 1717
Cornelis Bos (1500 - 1555)
Cornelis Bos
1500 - 1555
Dirck de Horn (1626 - 1681)
Dirck de Horn
1626 - 1681
Henri-Joseph Antonissen (1737 - 1794)
Henri-Joseph Antonissen
1737 - 1794
Jan van Amstel (1500 - 1542)
Jan van Amstel
1500 - 1542
Tethart Philipp Christian Haag (1737 - 1812)
Tethart Philipp Christian Haag
1737 - 1812
Meindert Hobbema (1638 - 1709)
Meindert Hobbema
1638 - 1709
Pyke Koch (1901 - 1991)
Pyke Koch
1901 - 1991
Willem Hekking (1796 - 1862)
Willem Hekking
1796 - 1862

Creators Baroque

Charles Lorraine Smith (1751 - 1835)
Charles Lorraine Smith
1751 - 1835
Cornelius Johnson (1593 - 1661)
Cornelius Johnson
1593 - 1661
Lucas Cranach I (1472 - 1553)
Lucas Cranach I
1472 - 1553
Alexander Jan Tricius (1620 - 1692)
Alexander Jan Tricius
1620 - 1692
Andreas Schlüter (1662 - 1714)
Andreas Schlüter
1662 - 1714
Giovanni Capassini (1510 - 1579)
Giovanni Capassini
1510 - 1579
Jose Leonardo (1601 - 1656)
Jose Leonardo
1601 - 1656
Joseph Werner (1637 - 1710)
Joseph Werner
1637 - 1710
Jacopo de' Barbari (1460 - 1516)
Jacopo de' Barbari
1460 - 1516
Johannes Wierix (1549 - 1620)
Johannes Wierix
1549 - 1620
Hieronymus van der Mij (1687 - 1761)
Hieronymus van der Mij
1687 - 1761
Charles Wautier (1609 - 1703)
Charles Wautier
1609 - 1703
Frederik van Valckenborch (1566 - 1623)
Frederik van Valckenborch
1566 - 1623
Gilles Rousselet (1610 - 1686)
Gilles Rousselet
1610 - 1686
Charles Hamilton Smith (1776 - 1859)
Charles Hamilton Smith
1776 - 1859
Filippo Gherardi (1643 - 1704)
Filippo Gherardi
1643 - 1704
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