Rembrandt

Rembrandt van Rijn, a Dutch artist, never left his homeland but changed the course of Western art with his prolific oeuvre encompassing religious, historical, and secular scenes, as well as one of the most extraordinary series of portraits and self-portraits. His work foregrounds texture, light, and acute observation, and each subject is bestowed with meticulous facial features and the intrigue of thoughts and feelings. Rembrandt also left one of the most extensive series of self-portraits of any artist, chronicling his own face from his youth to the year of his death. His rise coincided with the Dutch Golden Age, driven by a profound fascination with people.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 96 pages
\n Publication date: 23 August 2019
\n Publisher: Taschen GmbH
\n

Rembrandt van Rijn, a Dutch artist who lived from 1606 to 1669, is widely regarded as one of the greatest painters in history. Despite never leaving his homeland, his vast body of work had a profound impact on Western art. Rembrandt's oeuvre encompassed a wide range of subjects, including religious, historical, and secular scenes, as well as one of the most extraordinary series of portraits and self-portraits in art history.

One of the defining features of Rembrandt's work is his emphasis on texture, light, and acute observation. His subjects are often illuminated against deep, dark backgrounds, creating a sense of drama and tension. Like sudden apparitions in a shadowy street, his subjects are rendered with immense physical and psychological scrutiny. Whether depicting biblical or mythological figures, powerful patrons, or fellow citizens, each subject is given meticulous facial features and a depth of thought and feeling that brings even age-old narratives to life.

Rembrandt also left one of the most extensive series of self-portraits of any artist, chronicling his own face from his youth to the year of his death. These self-portraits provide a unique insight into the artist's personality and development, and show his ability to capture the nuances of emotion and expression.

Rembrandt's rise coincided with the flourishing of the Dutch Golden Age, an era of prosperity and cultural achievement in the Netherlands. He was encouraged by wealthy patrons, but his primary motivation was a profound fascination with people. This fascination with human nature is evident in his paintings, which often explore the complexities of human relationships, emotions, and motivations.

In this book, we will explore some of Rembrandt's key paintings, etchings, and drawings to introduce his techniques, inspirations, and exceptional achievements. From the Baroque Belshazzars Feast to the world-famous Night Watch, we will uncover a world of deep, rich tones, masterful draftsmanship, and a remarkable sensitivity for the human condition.

Rembrandt's use of light and shadow is particularly noteworthy. He was skilled at creating a sense of depth and dimension in his paintings, using light to highlight the contours of his subjects and cast shadows that add to the drama and tension of the scene. This technique is evident in his famous self-portraits, where he uses light to create a sense of self-awareness and introspection.

Another defining feature of Rembrandt's work is his ability to capture the human soul. Whether depicting a religious figure or a common citizen, his paintings often convey a sense of empathy and understanding for the subject. This is particularly evident in his portraits of individuals with emotional or psychological struggles, such as his portrayal of the mentally ill in his painting "The Insane Woman."

Rembrandt's use of color is also noteworthy. He was skilled at creating a sense of mood and atmosphere in his paintings, using a range of colors to evoke different emotions and moods. This is evident in his famous painting "The Night Watch," which uses a range of blues and oranges to create a sense of excitement and tension.

In conclusion, Rembrandt van Rijn is a towering figure in the history of Western art. His vast body of work, which encompasses religious, historical, and secular scenes, as well as one of the most extraordinary series of portraits and self-portraits in history, had a profound impact on the development of art. His emphasis on texture, light, and acute observation, as well as his profound fascination with people, left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence artists today. Whether depicting biblical or mythological figures, powerful patrons, or fellow citizens, Rembrandt's paintings convey a sense of empathy and understanding for the human condition, and his ability to capture the soul of his subjects is truly remarkable.

\n Weight: 558g\n
Dimension: 260 x 220 x 13 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9783836532136\n \n