Art Talk: Rembrandt at the Rijksmuseum

During this trip to Amsterdam I realized how much I really, really like Dutch art, especially 17th century Dutch art. Today I want to show you the incredible ability and genus of Rembrandt as seen through the Rembrandt Tour at the Rijksmuseum.

The Lieden Days

Self Portrait

I am familiar with Rembrandt. I have seen his paintings in museums before. The painting on the right is a self portrait I have seen many times at the National Gallery of Art in DC. The self portrait on the left is from when he was 22 years old was such a treat see. It is very impressive to see his use of light and shadows that he had already started using.

Self Portrait, 1628, Rijksmuseum
(22 years old)

Self Portrait, 1659, National Gallery of Art, DC (53 years old)

Tobit and Anna with the Kid

Rembrandt also painted this incredible scene while living in Lieden in 1626. He shows incredible emotion both on Tobit and Anna. And the light coming into the room, it is gorgeous.

Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem

Bible stories were popular themes in 17th century. Here we see Jeremiah lamenting the destruction of his people. Rembrandt did a great job conveying a feeling of loneliness and his ability to paint details is stunning. For more information on this wonderful painting see Art Talk: Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem

Lamination 1:16

For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me: my children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed.

Old Woman Reading, Probably the Prophetess Anna

Painted in 1631 this piece is incredible. Again, Rembrandt's ability to paint light is amazing. The texture of the fur on her cloak and her hat are incredible. The most stunning is her hand. It is amazing to me that Rembrandt could paint a hand with such skill to look life like.

The move to Amsterdam

In 1931, at the age of 25, Rembrandt was having a lot of success and so he moved to the big city of Amsterdam to become a portrait artist.

Johannes Wtenbogaert

Abraham Anthonisz Recht was a great admirer of Johannes Wtenbogaert and had this painted commissioned in 1633. Much like the previous painting of the Old Woman Reading the details of the hand are so life like. I am also impressed with the detail in his face, the lines in his forehead and around his eyes. Johannes was a Dutch Protestant minister and leader of the Remonstrants. a protestant movement that split from the Dutch Reformed Church.

Marten and Oopjen

These full length portraits were painted in 1634 for the wedding of Marten Soolmans and Oopjens Coppit. You can tell by their dress that they are very wealthy. Interesting to know that the paintings have always been together and have a joint ownership between the Louvre and the Rijksmuseum.

The level of detail and brilliance of Rembrandt to have the paint look like cloth, leather and metal, jewels is quite amazing. One of my favorite genres of 17th century Dutch painters is still lifes because of their incredible technique. Here Rembrandt shows that same skill in a portrait.

Maria Trip

This painting of Maria trip was painted in 1639 when she was 20 years old. She was wearing very fashionable and expensive clothing and jewels. Rembrandt painted the jewels with such great detail. The part of the painting I like most is the transparent fabric covering on her chest and shoulders.

The Night Watch

Painted in 1642 The Night Watch is Rembrandt's largest painting. I was surprised at how big it is 149.40 in x 178.54 in (379.5cm x 453.5cm) that is 12.4 feet x 14.8. It is currently behind a large glass contraption that is being used to study the painting in detail. The name was given to the painting because the scene was thought to have happened at night. When the painting was cleaned it was discovered it was not in the night like originally thought.

Rembrandt in the 1960s

Rembrandt's Son Titus in a Monk's Habit

Painted in 1660 when Titus was 19 years old.

Self-Portrait as the Apostle Paul

Painted in 1661 when Rembrandt was 55.

Isaac and Rebecca, Known as 'The Jewish Bride', 1665-1669

We are ending our tour with this beautiful painting.

It was thought to be of a father and daughter when she was getting married and the name Jewish Bride stuck. The hands are incredible. After it was pointed out that the man is touching her breasts it makes more sense that it is a couple. The painting is also called Isaac and Rebecca, a couple from the Bible.

The painting technique that Rembrandt is using in some parts of the picture are almost impressionistic. You can see the brushstrokes and the details are not as pronounced as in his earlier paintings. One of the things I like most about Old Woman Reading is the incredible detail and yet I enjoyed this painting just as much.

What do you think of Rembrandt now? After seeing his work at the Rijksmuseum I completely understand why he is so famous. I saw and felt his genius. I am truly thankful to witness when people have a natural gift and excel at their life's work and Rembrandt was an exceptional artist!

Sources:
Rembrandt, NGA
Old Woman Reading- Rijksmuseum
Johannes Wtenbogaert-Rijksmuseum
Johannes Wtenbogaert- Wikipedia
Marten and Oopjen- Wikipedia
Portrait of Haesje van Clayburgh- Rijksmuseum
Maria Trip- Rijksmuseum
The Night Watch- Rijksmuseum
The Jewish Bride- Rijksmuseum
Rembrandt's son Titus in a Monk's Habit- Rijksmuseum