Rembrandt van Rijn

The Life of Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon Van Rijn - born on 15 July 1606 in Leiden in the Weddesteeg, the ninth child of Harmen Gerritsz van Rijn and Neeltgen Willemsdr. Van Zuytbrouck - belongs to one of the greatest painters and etchers in European art. Rembrandt was the most important Dutch master of the 17th century. In total, he produced three hundred paintings, three hundred etchings and two thousand drawings.

Rembrandt van Rijn saw himself primarily as a portrait and history painter. He produced one hundred painted and twenty etched self-portraits, which give a clear picture of his appearance and an idea of his feelings. Besides his son Titus van Rijn and wife Saskia van Uylenburgh, his housekeepers and girlfriends Geertje Dircx and Hendrickje Stoffels also appear frequently in his paintings and were models for mythological and historical figures.

The work of Van Rijn

In 1629, Rembrandt began to work with contrasts and he became interested in the treatment of light. After 1640, a sobering effect is visible in his work and in the 1650s, the colours are richer and his brushstrokes come to the fore.

The work of Rembrandt van Rijn belongs to the Baroque period. Although he never visited Italy, his work is visibly influenced by Caravaggism. Sharp contrasts are visible in his work due to his special play with light and dark, which led to lively dramatic scenes.

A masterpiece by Rembrandt on your wall?

Do you want one of Rembrandt van Rijn's masterpieces on your wall? Take a look at his paintings and choose your favourite in the desired size.