Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon Van Rijn (1606-1669) was the most important painter of the Dutch Golden Age as well as one of the greatest and best known Dutch artists in history. Rembrandt painted dramatic and lively scenes, landscapes and portraits which were not rigid or formal like most paintings of his time. Rembrandt is also famous for his outstanding biblically themed oil paintings and etchings. In addition to his oil paintings, Rembrandt skillfully created very detailed renderings which were delicate yet resonated power and energy.

Rembrandt’s talent was recognized in his time. He was a successful portrait artist and the teacher of many important Dutch painters. Nevertheless Rembrandt had spent many of his years experiencing financial difficulties and personal tragedy. 

Rembrandt’s genius lies mostly in his treatment of mankind in his oil paintings where he presented his subjects with human sympathy regardless of age, social status or wealth. Long after his death, Rembrandt was adopted and adored by the French revolutionists, who saw in his paintings the embodying of the principles of humanism and democracy.