Rembrandt van Rijn More Art

Rembrandt van Rijn 1606-1669 Dutch Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple Etching on paper New Hollstein's 139, state I of IV Among the very best of the Old Masters stands the revered Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn, arguably the greatest etcher in the history of art. Certainly the most important Dutch printmaker of all time, his oeuvre features close to 300 authenticated prints, and his innovative techniques in the medium are without precedent. This superb etching, entitled Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple, displays the artistry and detail for which Rembrandt's prints are renowned. In this work of art, Rembrandt presents a famous religious scene—a moment of pure pandemonium. In the biblical account of this event, Christ enters a temple and is overtaken by rage at the sight of merchants and money changers conducting their business within. Rembrandt captures Christ’s reaction, actions driven by his desire to reclaim the space as a place of worship. Christ is positioned at the center of the composition, wielding ropes as a whip, having just overturned a table, causing a merchant to scramble for his coins spilling onto the floor. The scene is replete with chaos, including figures running, shouting and animals in disarray, embodying the dynamic virtuosity for which Rembrandt is renowned. Likely inspired by a similar composition from Albrecht Dürer, this depiction is a testament to Rembrandt's mastery of conveying complex narratives through his meticulous hand. Rembrandt has enjoyed much acclaim both during his lifetime and today for his paintings and prints. Emerging in the region in the early 16th century, printmaking experienced increased popularity during Rembrandt's lifetime, when an affluent new merchant class began spending their disposable income on artworks. Among the many printmakers of the era, Rembrandt stood out as he exploited the medium to its fullest. He often utilized techniques from his paintings, such as chiaroscuro, and successfully translated them to copper plate. His fluid lines, delicate cross-hatching and subtle tonalities allowed Rembrandt to achieve the sense of atmosphere that set his works apart. Versions of this etching reside in numerous museums, including the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the St. Louis Museum of Art, among others. Printed circa 1635 Etching: 5 1/4" high x 6 1/2" wide (13.34 x 16.51 cm) Frame: 20 1/4" high x 16 1/4" wide (51.12 x 40.96 cm) Literature: Arthur M. Hind, A Catalogue of Rembrandt's Etchings...

Rembrandt van Rijn 1606-1669 Dutch Joseph Telling His Dreams Etching on laid paper New Hollstein’s third state This highly important etching was created by the revered Dutch Old Master, Rembrandt Van Rijn. Entitled Joseph Telling His Dreams, this highly detailed composition is an outstanding representation of the painter’s skill as an engraver. This etching is known as a third state lifetime impression, meaning that the original etching, the first state, was altered twice by Rembrandt himself. Originally etched in 1638, this third and final state was made around 1641, the same year as the birth of his son, Titus, and the year before the death of his wife, Saskia. In addition, the printing quality and the paper structure also suggest that this is a lifetime impression. Though one of Rembrandt’s evocative Biblical subjects, this print displays the intimate naturalism for which his work is known. The child Joseph sits in the center, while his elder brothers surround him, some listening intently to his words and others talking among themselves. Rembrandt’s characteristic sense of humor also comes through even in this solemn composition, as a small dog in the foreground sits diligently cleaning himself. The son of a miller, Rembrandt van Rijn is believed to have been born in Leiden on July 15, 1606. He studied first at the Latin School, and then was enrolled at the University of Leiden at the age of 14. He soon left to study art — first with a local master, Jacob van Swanenburch, and then, in Amsterdam, with Pieter Lastman...