Rembrandt

REMBRANDT:

Born in Leiden, Netherlands in 1606, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, a 17th century Dutch painter and etcher was the one whose works dominated the ‘Dutch Golden Age’. One of the most revered artists of all time, Rembrandt's greatest creative triumphs are seen in his portraits of his contemporaries, illustrations of biblical scenes and self-portraits as well as his innovative etchings and use of shadow and light. He is generally considered one of the greatest painters and printmakers in European art and the most important in Dutch history. Having achieved youthful success as a portrait painter, Rembrandt's later years were marked by personal tragedy and financial hardships. Yet his etchings and paintings were popular throughout his lifetime, his reputation as an artist remained high.In his paintings and prints he exhibited knowledge of classical iconography, which he moulded to fit the requirements of his own experience; thus, the depiction of a biblical scene was informed by Rembrandt's knowledge of the specific text, his assimilation of classical composition, and his observations of Amsterdam's Jewish population. Because of his empathy for the human condition, he has been called "one of the great prophets of civilisation.”  

Having lived a fruitful life, Rembrandt died at the age of 63, on October 4th, 1669.