The renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn was born in the 17th
century at a time known as the Golden Age of Dutch Art. After leaving
university to study painting, he worked on scenes of contemporary life
in Amsterdam that soon demonstrated his mastery of light and shade, as
well as his rich sense of colour. Quickly becoming established as a
giant in the art world, he was equally skilled at producing etchings,
portraits, self-portraits, landscapes and drawings. Although successful
in his work, Rembrandt's personal life was marred by sadness; three of
his four children died young, as did his wife, in 1642. In the same
year, he painted The Night Watch, a brilliant work depicting city
guardsmen and capturing the vitality, movement and personality of each
person. Despite his enormous success, Rembrandt lived beyond his means
and had to resort to auctioning his house at 4 Jodenbreestraat and its
contents to pay his debts. However, he continued painting, and to this
day still inspires younger artists and admirers all over the world. The
first part of this richly illustrated volume explores Rembrandt's early
life in Leiden in The Netherlands, his friends and family, his education
and relationships, and his attempt at bringing up his own family. From
his birth in 1606, it details the progression of his prodigious talent,
his mastery of chiaroscuro and his amazing artistic skill. This volume
presents shows many drawings and etchings, including some that
illustrated stories in the Bible; several were large, dramatic canvases
in the elaborate Baroque style. Rembrandt was fascinated by the work of
many Italian artists, especially Caravaggio, whose new Baroque style
inspired and influenced many young painters. Caravaggio's disciples
became known as the Caravaggisti. Some hint of this style is seen in
Rembrandt's grand Biblical scenes, such as Moses Smashes the Tablets of
the Law or Return of the Prodigal Son. Rembrandt's achievements and
influences are traced through his life story, through archive and
contemporary images and through examples of his paintings. In the second
part of the book, a comprehensive gallery shows more than 300
significant works of Rembrandt, from The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes
Tulp, 1632 and The Holy Family, c.1645, to Self Portrait with Two
Circles, c.1665-9 and The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, 1633. These
wonderful paintings are accompanied by an informed description of each
painting or drawing, the techniques used, and their context in the
artistÆs life and body of work as a whole. This beautiful volume is
indispensable for anyone who wants to learn more about this intriguing
artist and to enjoy looking at hundreds of his most iconic works in one
glorious collection. An expert and in-depth reference book on the life
and works of the influential Dutch painter and etcher, Rembrandt van
Rijn A fascinating biography explores his early years, his personal life
and the historical context of the early 17th century Describes his
creative progress and the artistic influences that led him to develop
his art from the grand Baroque to a less exuberant style Includes a
stunning gallery of all his greatest and most significant works, with
expert analysis of his style and technique Beautifully illustrated with
500 reproductions of paintings and drawings
