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.

To stay updated on new product sales and auction events related to Rembrandt van Rijn, sign up for our updates. This subscription service is dedicated exclusively to news and events concerning works related to this unparalleled master of the Dutch Golden Age​.

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
Flora - One click purchase

One click purchase Rembrandt van Rijn

All lots

Creators The Netherlands

Willem van Aelst (1627 - 1683)
Willem van Aelst
1627 - 1683
Alexander Joseph Daiwaille (1818 - 1888)
Alexander Joseph Daiwaille
1818 - 1888
Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen (1470 - 1533)
Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen
1470 - 1533
Caspar van Wittel (1653 - 1736)
Caspar van Wittel
1653 - 1736
Ferdinand van Kessel II (1648 - 1696)
Ferdinand van Kessel II
1648 - 1696
César Domela Nieuwenhuis (1900 - 1992)
César Domela Nieuwenhuis
1900 - 1992
Roelandt Savery (1576 - 1639)
Roelandt Savery
1576 - 1639
Anton Rooskens (1906 - 1976)
Anton Rooskens
1906 - 1976
Kees van Dongen (1877 - 1968)
Kees van Dongen
1877 - 1968
Joop Sanders (1921 - 2023)
Joop Sanders
1921 - 2023
Wijnand Jan Josephus Nuijen (1813 - 1839)
Wijnand Jan Josephus Nuijen
1813 - 1839
Willem van de Velde II (1633 - 1707)
Willem van de Velde II
1633 - 1707
Barent Avercamp (1612 - 1679)
Barent Avercamp
1612 - 1679
Hendrick Bloemaert (1601 - 1672)
Hendrick Bloemaert
1601 - 1672
Ary Pleysier (1819 - 1879)
Ary Pleysier
1819 - 1879
James de Rijk (1806 - 1882)
James de Rijk
1806 - 1882

Creators Baroque

Johann Georg Bergmüller (1688 - 1762)
Johann Georg Bergmüller
1688 - 1762
Wenceslaus Hollar (1607 - 1677)
Wenceslaus Hollar
1607 - 1677
Wilhelm von Bemmel (1630 - 1708)
Wilhelm von Bemmel
1630 - 1708
Cosimo Ulivelli (1625 - 1704)
Cosimo Ulivelli
1625 - 1704
Gerard Valck (1652 - 1726)
Gerard Valck
1652 - 1726
Jean Barbault (1718 - 1762)
Jean Barbault
1718 - 1762
Antonio Zanchi (1631 - 1722)
Antonio Zanchi
1631 - 1722
Rombout van Troyen (1605 - 1657)
Rombout van Troyen
1605 - 1657
Anthonius Leemans (1631 - 1673)
Anthonius Leemans
1631 - 1673
Salomon Koninck (1609 - 1656)
Salomon Koninck
1609 - 1656
Judith Jans Leyster (1609 - 1660)
Judith Jans Leyster
1609 - 1660
Johann König (1586 - 1642)
Johann König
1586 - 1642
Giovan Montini (1613 - 1673)
Giovan Montini
1613 - 1673
André-Jean Le Brun (Lebrun) (1737 - 1811)
André-Jean Le Brun (Lebrun)
1737 - 1811
Giovanni Pietro Perti (Peretti) (1648 - 1714)
Giovanni Pietro Perti (Peretti)
1648 - 1714
Richard Cosway (1742 - 1821)
Richard Cosway
1742 - 1821
× Create a Search Subscription