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The Dutch painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn lived in the XNUMXth century. His works were distinguished by their emotional richness, they convey the whole range of human feelings, reveal the spiritual world.
He received recognition after his death, in the XNUMXth century. But even during his lifetime, his creations were bought.
From the age of 13, he began to study fine arts, and at the age of 21 he already opened his workshop with a friend and began to recruit students. He soon gained fame, they talked about him as an outstanding artist.
At the age of 27, he married Saskia van Uilenbürch, the daughter of the burgomaster, received many orders from wealthy burghers.
Rembrandt was able to buy his mansion, which he filled with art. But gradually the public cooled off to his paintings, his fame faded, money became less and less. Most likely, one of his works, The Night Watch, influenced his career.
In 1653, when he was 47 years old, he transferred almost all his property to his son, and after 3 years he declared bankruptcy. His property and house were sold, and he lived on the outskirts of Amsterdam until his death.
We present you the 10 most famous paintings by Rembrandt: photos and names of the best works of the famous artist.
10 Simon with Jesus
In the Gospel of Luke one can read about the pious righteous Simeon the God-bearer. When Jesus’ parents brought him to the temple in order to traditionally offer a sacrifice for a male baby, they met Simeon there.
He came to the temple by inspiration, pronounced blessings and spoke prophetic words to Mary. Simeon is believed to have died immediately after these events.
It was this moment that the artist depicted in his painting “Simon with Jesus“. The elder tremblingly holds Christ, and the Virgin Mary looks at the baby with sadness.
This painting was painted in the year of Rembrandt’s death. But, despite the fact that he was sick and held a brush in a trembling hand, his work turned out to be brilliant. He was able to convey the feelings of an old man who knew about his impending death.
9. holy family
In 1645, the artist tries to devote himself to his little son. Then this picture appeared.
On canvas “holy family“we seem to see a simple peasant family, without any pomposity. But the angels say that this is an image of the Mother of God and Jesus.
Poor peasant house. The father works as a carpenter, and the young mother guards the child’s sleep.
The whole picture seems to be saturated with calmness and peace. The artist was able to convey these feelings through the soft light that illuminated the face of the mother and child, as well as through the shades of golden warm color.
8. Bathsheba reading a letter from King David
In the second book of Kings, you can read about King David, who was walking on the roof of his palace and saw a naked woman in the pool, who was bathing.
David wanted to possess her, and he asked the servants who she was. He was told that this was the daughter of Eliam, the wife of one of the bravest warriors, Uriah the Hittite, whose name was Bathsheba.
But that didn’t stop David. He ordered her to be brought to his chambers, slept with her, and then, pregnant, returned to her husband, dooming her to certain death.
Usually, artists depicted the moment when the king saw a woman and fell in love with her. But Rembrandt in the paintingBathsheba reading a letter from King David“captured her in the bath with a letter. She is in love, which gives her a dreamy expression.
Thousands of artists painted naked women, but Rembrandt was the only one who could make the body spiritual, show not an object of desire, but an object of sympathy.
7. Bertha Martens
Painting “Bertha Martins, wife Germana Dumera” was written in 1640. It depicts the wife of a cabinetmaker who supplied the artist with picture frames.
Once Rembrandt agreed to paint this canvas as a reward. It depicts a woman who is already over 60. She dressed in all the best that she had, but the outfit still turned out to be simple: a dark dress and a white cap.
Embarrassment can be read on her face, because a celebrity draws her. The woman is sitting, her posture is simple and calm, but full of dignity. From the portrait emanates calmness and comfort.
6. Saskia as Flora
The painting appeared in 1634. It depicts the artist’s wife, who became the prototype of Flora, the ancient Roman goddess.
Painting “Saskia as Flora“appeared in the year when the wedding of the artist and his lover took place. She shows how he was in love with his chosen one.
The contrast that catches the eye gives a special charm to this work: a timid and insecure woman dressed in luxurious and rich clothes.
5. Night watch
Entitled “Night watch» The picture went down in history, because. the figures on it stand out against a dark background. It was created in 1642, was commissioned by the Shooting Society.
The picture is unique, because. the artist was able to successfully depict the play of light and shadow. He also departed from the then accepted canons and instead of a ceremonial portrait showed the moment when Captain Kok gives orders and everything is in motion.
In addition to those characters that were ordered, he portrayed 16 more people. Their purpose and the symbols associated with them remain a mystery.
4. Anatomy Lesson by Dr. Tulp
It was written in 1632. In the center is Dr. Nicholas Tulp, who explains to others how the muscles of the human hand are arranged.
Such anatomical lessons were held throughout Europe at that time. They took place once a year, usually in winter, when the body was better preserved, and lasted for several days.
Colleagues, students, as well as respected citizens or townspeople could attend the lesson.
Group portrait “Anatomy Lesson by Dr. Tulpordered by the Guild of Surgeons. Usually on such canvases those present were drawn sitting in rows and looking at the viewer. But Rembrandt showed them focused on the corpse.
Everything happened in the Weight Chamber, where this anatomy lesson took place. The picture was hung in the same place where it hung for almost 2 centuries, until it was sold to the Queen of the Netherlands.
3. The prodigal son in the tavern
Painting “The prodigal son in the tavern“Was written in the best period of Rembrandt’s life. He was happy in his personal life, became in demand, he already had his own students.
On it, he painted himself and his wife Saskia. They depict the heroes of the parable of the prodigal son. It speaks of the youngest son, who lived dissolutely and squandered money.
The artist himself is the prodigal son. His wife is shown as a harlot. On the table we see a dish with a peacock, which is a sign of vanity.
2. The Return of the Prodigal Son
This is the largest canvas made by the artist on a religious theme. It is also dedicated to the parable of the prodigal son. The moment when he comes home is depicted.
It is not known how and when he worked on the painting “The Return of the Prodigal Son”, but it is believed that the painting was created in the last years of his life.
In the center of the canvas is a kneeling prodigal son, in shabby clothes, with a shaved head. His father hugs him. In addition to them, there are 4 more characters, but it is not clear who they are, because. these silhouettes are barely visible against the dark background.
1. Danaya
The painting was painted based on the myths of ancient Greece. It depicts the mother of Perseus Danae.
She appeared in 1636, 2 years after the artist’s marriage. He painted his wife on it.
Art historians could not understand why the resemblance was not so obvious until they took x-rays. As it turned out, Rembrandt changed her after the death of his wife.
He tried to make sure that hisDanaya”combined not only the features of his wife, but also the new lover Gertje Dirks.
The painting was damaged in 1985 when Bronius Maigis threw sulfuric acid on it and cut it with a knife. The man was declared insane, but the picture was almost lost, its entire center consisted of spots and streaks. The restoration took 12 years.