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Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), commonly known simply as Rembrandt, was a Dutch painter, printmaker, and draughtsman who epitomizes the Dutch Golden Age and is celebrated as one of the most exceptional visual artists in history.[3] Throughout his career, Rembrandt created approximately three hundred paintings, three hundred etchings, and two thousand drawings.

In contrast to many Dutch painters of his time, Rembrandt's body of work spans a wide array of styles and subjects, encompassing portraits, self-portraits, landscapes, genre scenes, allegorical and historical depictions, biblical and mythological themes, and studies of animals. His artistic contributions flourished during the period known as the Dutch Golden Age.

Although Rembrandt never traveled abroad, he drew substantial inspiration from the works of Italian Renaissance masters and artists from the Dutch and Flemish schools who had studied in Italy. After achieving early success as a portraitist, Rembrandt faced personal hardships and financial challenges in his later years. Nonetheless, his etchings and paintings remained popular during his lifetime, and his reputation as an artist remained esteemed.[4] For two decades, he also mentored many influential Dutch painters.[5] Rembrandt's portraits of contemporaries, self-portraits, and interpretations of biblical scenes are considered among his most significant artistic achievements, with his approximately forty self-portraits serving as a poignant autobiography.[3][6]

Rembrandt's upbringing in a well-to-do miller's family provided him with access to education and the arts from a young age. He attended Latin School in Leiden, where he likely received a classical education. His early artistic training began under the Leiden painter Jacob van Swanenburgh and later with Pieter Lastman in Amsterdam. These formative years laid the groundwork for Rembrandt's development as a skilled draftsman and painter, establishing his proficiency in depicting historical and biblical narratives with a novel approach to light and composition.

Rembrandt's career flourished in Amsterdam, where he established a successful studio and attracted numerous students and patrons. His early works, characterized by rich colors and intricate detail, soon evolved into a more introspective and experimental phase marked by a shift towards chiaroscuro and a nuanced exploration of human emotion. His commissions included portraits of Amsterdam's elite, religious canvases for local churches, and intimate self-portraits that reflect his introspective nature.

Rembrandt's legacy extends far beyond his lifetime, influencing generations of artists and scholars. His innovative techniques, such as his use of impasto and mastery of light, continue to inspire painters worldwide. Despite financial setbacks and personal tragedies, including the loss of loved ones, Rembrandt's art retained its profound humanity and introspective depth. Today, his works are revered in museums and collections globally, ensuring his enduring impact on the art world.

1. "Rembrandt" Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary.
2. (in Dutch) Rembrandt biography in De groote schouburgh der Nederlantsche konstschilders en schilderessen (1718) by Arnold Houbraken, courtesy of the Digital library for Dutch literature
3. Registration of the banns of Rembrandt and Saskia, kept at the Amsterdam City Archives