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

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Henk Peeters (1925 - 2013)
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Gijsbertus Craeyvanger (1810 - 1875)
Gijsbertus Craeyvanger
1810 - 1875
Jan Symonsz. Pynas (1582 - 1631)
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1582 - 1631
Gerriet Postma (1932 - 2009)
Gerriet Postma
1932 - 2009
Jan Wijnants (1632 - 1684)
Jan Wijnants
1632 - 1684
Joost Baljeu (1925 - 1991)
Joost Baljeu
1925 - 1991
Andries Scheerboom (1832 - 1891)
Andries Scheerboom
1832 - 1891
Jacob van Strij (1756 - 1815)
Jacob van Strij
1756 - 1815
Thomas Heeremans (1641 - 1694)
Thomas Heeremans
1641 - 1694
Evert van Aelst (1602 - 1657)
Evert van Aelst
1602 - 1657
Anna Henrietta Wolterbeek (1834 - 1905)
Anna Henrietta Wolterbeek
1834 - 1905
Henriette Ronner-Knip (1821 - 1909)
Henriette Ronner-Knip
1821 - 1909
Aert de Gelder (1645 - 1727)
Aert de Gelder
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Jan Weenix (1640 - 1719)
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1640 - 1719
Jan de Bray (1627 - 1697)
Jan de Bray
1627 - 1697

Creators Baroque

Abraham Jansz. Bega (1637 - 1697)
Abraham Jansz. Bega
1637 - 1697
René Dubois (1737 - 1799)
René Dubois
1737 - 1799
Hendrik Carré (1656 - 1721)
Hendrik Carré
1656 - 1721
Alexis Grimou (1678 - 1733)
Alexis Grimou
1678 - 1733
Jan van Bijlert (1597 - 1671)
Jan van Bijlert
1597 - 1671
Henry Pickering (1720 - 1771)
Henry Pickering
1720 - 1771
Govert (Govaert) Flinck (1615 - 1660)
Govert (Govaert) Flinck
1615 - 1660
Francesco Trevisani (1656 - 1746)
Francesco Trevisani
1656 - 1746
Francisco Salzillo (1707 - 1783)
Francisco Salzillo
1707 - 1783
Ádám Mányoki (1673 - 1757)
Ádám Mányoki
1673 - 1757
Balthasar Denner (1685 - 1749)
Balthasar Denner
1685 - 1749
 Le Nain brothers ()
Le Nain brothers
Crispijn van de Passe I (1564 - 1637)
Crispijn van de Passe I
1564 - 1637
Jan Pauwel Gillemans II (1651 - 1704)
Jan Pauwel Gillemans II
1651 - 1704
Bernard de Rijckere (1535 - 1590)
Bernard de Rijckere
1535 - 1590
Jan Berka (1759 - 1838)
Jan Berka
1759 - 1838