Rembrandt

Perfect likeness
Face to face with Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (1606–1669) was one of the most complex and multi-faceted artists of the 17th century. From his initial period in Leiden to his early and late phases in Amsterdam, the stages of Rembrandt’s career mirror the artistic and intellectual developments of the century.

After breaking off his studies in Leiden, the young Rembrandt trained as a painter for two years and eventually established his own painting workshop. Characteristic of the Leiden period are his biblical histories, such as The Raising of Lazarus, but the roots of Rembrandt’s portraiture, nourished by his intensive studies of physiognomy, also are to be found in these same years. Later, in Amsterdam, the perfection of Rembrandt’s likenesses initially won him the favor of numerous patrons—but the artist soon surpassed their expectations. Transcending traditional modes of presentation, Rembrandt composed his portraits in the same manner in which he had earlier constructed his scenes. The results are visible, for example, in the famous group portrait The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp from 1632.

In the last phase of Rembrandt’s work—when, plagued by financial problems, he had withdrawn into seclusion—it is no longer possible to distinguish between event paintings and portraits.

About the Author

Michael Bockemühl (1943–2009) studied art history, philosophy and ecclesiastical history in Munich and Bochum. He qualified as a professor in 1984 at the Ruhr University, and lectured in the history of the art of Late Antiquity, the Middle Ages and the early modern age. In 1990 he was awarded a chair in the science of art, aesthetics and art education by Witten/Herdecke University. His TASCHEN monographs include Rembrandt (1991) and William Turner (1991).