Rembrandt

(Dutch, 1606 – 1669)

“Practice what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know.”
— Rembrandt

One of the most admired artists of all time, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, was a master of painting and etching in what is now known as the Dutch Golden Age. He is most noted for his self-portraits, portraits of his contemporaries, and biblical scenes. He is often referred to as “one of the great prophets of civilization” due to his empathy for the human condition.

Born in the Netherlands in 1606, there are accounts that Rembrandt only studied in traditional biblical school for four years before he was removed to become a painter. He trained under two master painters for five years, Jacob van Swanenburgh (1571 – 1638) and Pieter Lastman (1583 – 1633). It was through the guidance of these two masters combined with his own natural talent that Rembrandt mastered the genre of the times, painting biblical and historical figures in complex scenarios, often with allegorical interpretations. Rembrandt began his first etchings in 1626, which aesthetically diverged from his peers by using heavy contrast.

Rembrandt died poor and misunderstood. Towards the end of his life, the idealized beauty of Classicism had supplanted his realism; realism had become unfashionable in Holland. Nevertheless, his international reputation among connoisseurs and collectors only continued to rise. Some artists in 18th-century Germany and Venice adopted his style. He was venerated during the Romantic era and recognized as a forerunner of the Romantic Movement; from that point, he was regarded as one of the greatest figures in art history. In the Netherlands itself, his fortunes have once again risen, and he has become a symbol of both greatness and Dutch-ness.

Although over 350 years have passed since he died, Rembrandt has left an unquestionably lasting impression on art history and in etching techniques. His masterpieces are easily recognizable and some of the most collected pieces of art of all time.

American Fine Art, Inc. is proud to feature the original works and limited editions of Rembrandt van Rijn. Visit our 12,000 sq. ft. showroom in Scottsdale, Arizona or call today. Our website is offered only as a limited place to browse or refresh your memory and is not a reflection of our current inventory. To learn more about collecting, pricing, value, or any other art information, please contact one of our International Art Consultants. We look forward to giving you the one on one attention you deserve when building your fine art collection. We hope you find our website helpful and look forward to seeing you in Scottsdale soon.