Discovering Rembrandt: The Master of Light and Shadow

Rembrandt van Rijn, born on July 15, 1606, in Leiden, Holland, is celebrated as one of the most prolific painters of the Dutch Golden Age. His journey from a university student to an apprentice, and eventually a master artist, is a story of dedication, influence, and unparalleled talent.

Rembrandt’s work is characterized by his profound understanding of human nature, his innovative techniques, and his mastery of light and shadow. His ability to convey emotion and depth in his paintings has made him a timeless figure in the world of art. Growing up in a relatively affluent family, Rembrandt’s early exposure to education set a strong foundation for his future endeavors.

Early Life and Education

At the tender age of 14, Rembrandt van Rijn enrolled at the University of Leiden. However, his passion for painting soon led him to leave academic pursuits and become an apprentice to Jacob van Swanenburgh. Swanenburgh was a local painter known for his portraits and his hellish depictions inspired by Hieronymus Bosch. This apprenticeship provided Rembrandt with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of painting, such as composition, perspective, and the use of color and light. Swanenburgh’s influence introduced Rembrandt to the dramatic and imaginative themes that would later become prominent in his own work.

Influence of Peter Lastman 

In 1624, Rembrandt’s artistic journey took a significant turn when he began studying under Peter Lastman, a fashionable and respected artist in Amsterdam. Lastman was renowned for his Baroque style and his specialization in Biblical and mythological subjects. His influence on Rembrandt was profound, particularly in the realistic portrayal of Biblical scenes and the use of chiaroscuro. Lastman’s dramatic compositions and his ability to convey complex narratives through art deeply impacted Rembrandt. Under Lastman’s guidance, Rembrandt honed his skills in creating dynamic and emotionally charged scenes, a characteristic that would define much of his later work.

Image courtesy of The Met’s Open Access collection. Hendrickje Stoffels (1626–1663), Rembrandt, mid-1650s, oil on canvas, (78.4 x 68.9 cm). 

The Art of Chiaroscuro 

Chiaroscuro, the technique of using strong contrasts between light and dark, became a hallmark of Rembrandt’s work. This technique, also evident in the works of the Italian artist Caravaggio, added depth and drama to Rembrandt’s paintings. His ability to manipulate light and shadow created a sense of mood and contemplation in his artworks, drawing viewers into the subtle complexities of his subjects. The play of light and shadow not only enhanced the three-dimensionality of his figures but also conveyed a profound sense of psychological depth and realism.

Image courtesy of The Met’s Open Access collection. Self-Portrait, Leaning on a Stone Wall, Rembrandt, 1639, Etching, 16 x 16 cm

Self-Portraits and Unique Techniques 

One of the most distinctive aspects of Rembrandt’s oeuvre is his extensive collection of self-portraits. Over 60 self-portraits exist, showcasing his evolving techniques and deep self-reflection. These works provide a unique insight into his artistic journey and personal growth over time. Rembrandt’s use of varied textures and his experimentation with impasto (the thick application of paint) in certain areas, while intentionally blurring others, highlights his innovative approach to painting. This technique allowed him to create lifelike textures and a sense of movement, adding to the realism and emotional intensity of his portraits.

Finding Success and Prosperity

Rembrandt’s career took a significant leap forward in 1629 when he met Constantijn Huygens, the secretary of Prince Orange. Huygens, a well-traveled diplomat and art connoisseur, recognized Rembrandt’s talent and offered him encouragement and valuable connections. Through Huygens’ support, Rembrandt moved to Amsterdam in 1631, embarking on the most successful period of his life. His first large-scale group commission, “The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp,” garnered significant attention and acclaim, leading to a steady demand for his portraits. This period marked Rembrandt’s rise to prominence as one of the leading artists of his time.

Rembrandt’s Painting Methods

During this time, the painting was far slower than it is today since canvases had to be measured, stretched, and primed, and pigments ground, mixed and stored before it could begin. They would paint in layers often with a long drying time in between. He worked from background to foreground, the background was athe thinnest layer often a monochrome underpainting that is later worked up. He then used thin transparent glazes over thick impasto. He worked with a small palette with a range of colors like black, brown, red ocher, transparent browns (cologne earth and bistre), vermilion and organic red lakes, lead-tin yellow usually mixed with lead white, azurite, smalt, lead white, and greens mixed with lead-tin yellow with azurite and smalt. This meticulous process and his innovative techniques contributed to the rich, lifelike quality of his paintings.

—

At Happy Hands Pottery and Art Studio, art classes for adults in Brampton, Ontario, for drawing, painting, pottery, and more! Be sure to keep in touch by subscribing to our newsletter and following up on out social media.

Topics:

1. Rembrandt’s Early Life and Education
2. The Influence of Jacob van Swanenburgh
3. Peter Lastman and the Baroque Influence
4. The Chiaroscuro Technique
5. Rembrandt’s Self-Portraits and Artistic Innovations
6. The Legacy of Rembrandt van Rijn

Links/Resources:
The History and Techniques of the Great Masters Rembrandt. By Andrew Morrall. 1987. Quarto Publishing plc. Great Britain.