The Dutch artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon Van Rijn lived in the 17th century. His works were distinguished by emotional richness, they convey the whole spectrum of human feelings, reveal the spiritual world.
He gained recognition after his death, in the 19th century. But even during the life of his creations were bought.
From the age of 13 he began to study fine art, and at the age of 21 he already opened his workshop with a friend and began to recruit students. Soon he gained fame, they talked about him as an outstanding artist.
At 27, he married Saskia van Eilenbuhrh, daughter of the burgomaster, and received many orders from wealthy burghers.
Rembrandt was able to buy his mansion, which he filled with objects of art. But gradually the audience cooled to his paintings, his fame faded, money became less and less. Most likely, one of his works, Night Watch, influenced his career.
In 1653, when he was 47 years old, he transferred almost all of his property to his son, and after 3 years filed for bankruptcy. His property and home were sold out, and until his death he lived on the outskirts of Amsterdam.
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 you can read about the pious righteous Simeon the God-Receiver. When the parents of Jesus brought him to the temple, according to tradition to offer a sacrifice for a male infant, they met Simeon there.
Inspiredly, he came to the temple, said blessings, and said the prophetic words of Mary. It is believed that immediately after these events Simeon died.
It was this moment that the artist portrayed in his painting “Simon with Jesus". The elder tremulously holds Christ, and the Virgin Mary looks at the baby with sadness.
This painting was painted in the year of the death of Rembrandt. But, despite the fact that he was sick and held his hand 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. The Holy Family
In 1645, the artist tried to devote himself to a young son. Then this picture appeared.
On the canvas "Holy family»We seem to see a simple peasant family, without any pomp. But the angels say that this is an image of the Mother of God and Jesus.
Poor peasant house. The father is carpentry, and the young mother protects the child’s sleep.
The whole picture is as if saturated with calm and pacification. 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 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 bathhouse who was washing herself.
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 wars of Uriah the Hittite, whose name is Bathsheba.
But David did not stop it. He ordered her to be brought to his chambers, slept with her, and then, pregnant, he returned to her husband, condemning him to certain death.
Typically, artists depicted the moment when the king saw a woman and fell in love with her. But Rembrandt in the picture "Bathsheba reading a letter from King David"Imprinted her in the bathhouse with a letter. She is in love that gives her face a dreamy expression.
Thousands of artists painted nude women, but Rembrandt was the only one who could make the body inspired, to show not the object of desire, but the object of sympathy.
7. Berta Martens
Picture "Berta Martins, wife of Herman Doumer"Was written in 1640. It depicts the wife of a cabinetmaker, who supplied the artist with picture frames.
Once, Rembrandt agreed to write this painting 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 the face, because a celebrity draws it. A woman sits, her pose is simple and calm, but full of dignity. The portrait breathes calm and comfort.
6. Saskia in the image of Flora
The picture appeared in 1634. It depicts the wife of the artist, who became the prototype of Flora, the ancient Roman goddess.
Picture "Saskia in the image of 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 uncertain woman dressed in luxurious and rich clothes.
5. Night watch
Entitled "The night Watch"The picture went down in history, because figures on it appear on a dark background. It was created in 1642, was commissioned by the Rifle 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 adopted canons and instead of the front portrait showed the moment when Captain Kok gives orders and everything is in motion.
In addition to the characters that were ordered, he portrayed 16 more people. Their purpose and the symbols associated with them remain a mystery.
4. Dr. Tulp's Anatomy Lesson
It was written in 1632. In the center is Dr. Nicholas Tulp, who explains to others how the muscles of the human arm work.
Such anatomical lessons were being held all over Europe at that time. They took place once a year, usually in winter, when the body was better preserved, and lasted several days.
Colleagues, students, as well as respected citizens or citizens, could attend the lesson.
Group portrait "Dr. Tulp's Anatomy Lesson"Ordered by the guild of surgeons. Usually, on such canvases, those present were painted in seated rows and looking at the viewer. But Rembrandt showed them centered on the corpse.
Everything happened in the Weight Chamber, where this anatomy lesson was held. The painting was hung in the same place where it sagged for almost 2 centuries, until it was sold to the Queen of the Netherlands.
3. The Prodigal Son in the Tavern
Picture "Prodigal son in a tavern"Was written in the very best period of Rembrandt’s life. He was happy in his personal life, became in demand, he already had his students.
On it, he painted himself and his wife Saskia. They depict the heroes of the parable of the prodigal son. It speaks of a younger son who lived dissolutely and squandered money.
The artist himself is a 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. She is also dedicated to the parable of the prodigal son. Depicted is the moment when he comes home.
It is not known how and when he worked on the painting "The Return of the Prodigal Son", But it is believed that the picture was created in the last years of his life.
In the center of the canvas is the prodigal prodigal son, in shabby clothes, with a shaved head. His father takes it. In addition to them, there are 4 more characters, but it is not clear who they are, because these silhouettes are barely visible on a dark background.
1. Danae
The painting was 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. On it, he painted his wife.
Art historians could not understand why the similarity is not so obvious until they did an x-ray. As it turned out, Rembrandt changed her after the death of his wife.
He tried to make hisDanae"Combined in itself not only the features of the wife, but also the new lover Gertier Dirks.
The painting suffered in 1985 when Bronius Maygis splashed sulfuric acid onto it and cut it with a knife. The man was recognized insane, but the picture was almost lost, her entire center consisted of spots and stains. The restoration took 12 years.