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

Jan Hendrik Verheyen (1778 - 1846)
Jan Hendrik Verheyen
1778 - 1846
Elisabeth Alida Haanen (1809 - 1845)
Elisabeth Alida Haanen
1809 - 1845
Michiel Carree (1657 - 1727)
Michiel Carree
1657 - 1727
Bob Bonies (1937)
Bob Bonies
1937
Paulus Potter (1625 - 1654)
Paulus Potter
1625 - 1654
Anthony Heinsbergen (1894 - 1981)
Anthony Heinsbergen
1894 - 1981
Willem van Veldhuizen (1954)
Willem van Veldhuizen
1954
Jan Hubertus (1920 - 1995)
Jan Hubertus
1920 - 1995
Aernout Mik (1962)
Aernout Mik
1962
Unica Bachmann-Calcoen (1904 - 1986)
Unica Bachmann-Calcoen
1904 - 1986
Karel Dujardin (1626 - 1678)
Karel Dujardin
1626 - 1678
Joris Laarman (1979)
Joris Laarman
1979
Hendrik Jan Hein (1822 - 1866)
Hendrik Jan Hein
1822 - 1866
Hieronymus van der Mij (1687 - 1761)
Hieronymus van der Mij
1687 - 1761
Jan Lievens I (1607 - 1674)
Jan Lievens I
1607 - 1674
Herman Verelst (1641 - 1702)
Herman Verelst
1641 - 1702

Creators Baroque

Antoine Brice (1752 - 1817)
Antoine Brice
1752 - 1817
Francisco de Zurbarán (1598 - 1664)
Francisco de Zurbarán
1598 - 1664
Johann Georg Bergmüller (1688 - 1762)
Johann Georg Bergmüller
1688 - 1762
Johann Melchior Roos (1663 - 1731)
Johann Melchior Roos
1663 - 1731
Matthias Wallbaum (1554 - 1632)
Matthias Wallbaum
1554 - 1632
Gijsbrecht Leytens (1586 - 1656)
Gijsbrecht Leytens
1586 - 1656
Giovanni Battista Ruoppolo (1629 - 1693)
Giovanni Battista Ruoppolo
1629 - 1693
Carlo Fontana (1638 - 1714)
Carlo Fontana
1638 - 1714
Antonio Contri (XVII century - 1731)
Antonio Contri
XVII century - 1731
Giovanni Battista Lorenzi (1741 - 1773)
Giovanni Battista Lorenzi
1741 - 1773
Wolfgang Heimbach (1620 - 1678)
Wolfgang Heimbach
1620 - 1678
Simon Vouet (1590 - 1649)
Simon Vouet
1590 - 1649
Domenico Piola (1627 - 1703)
Domenico Piola
1627 - 1703
José Ribelles (1778 - 1835)
José Ribelles
1778 - 1835
Giovanni del Biondo (XIV century - 1399)
Giovanni del Biondo
XIV century - 1399
Petrus Christus (1410 - 1475)
Petrus Christus
1410 - 1475
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