Thought to be one of the most talented artists, Rembrandt van Rijn’s paintings were expressive and advanced for his time. His work portrays a wide array of topics, including landscapes, portraits, and religious scenes. He was born in the city of Leiden in the Netherlands. At the age of 13, he enrolls at Leiden university, but will not complete it, as he will soon receive an apprenticeship to a painter. In 1624-1625, for 6 months, Rembrandt studies art with numerous artists in Amsterdam. At the age of 19, his paintings began giving him recognition for the talent he held and began sharing a studio with the artist Jan Lievens. When he turned 25, Rembrandt temporarily moved to Amsterdam and the extent of his talent spread throughout the city. Soon after, he was commissioned by many individuals, from royals to noblemen. Throughout his life, he painted more than 40 self-portraits. In every piece created by Rembrandt, he utilized the color contrasts in shade, better known as chiaroscuro, to enlighten his subjects’ emotions. In 1634, he married Saskia van Uylenburgh. Rembrandt continued his artistic work by creating mythological and religious paintings and sketches, as well as additional portraits. Because of his vast popularity, he was made rich and moved to a big home in another city with his wife. He was the leading portrait painter of families in Amsterdam, then the leading painter in the richest city in Europe. In 1642, his dear young wife, Saskia passed away, around the time he finished his best-known painting, The Night Watch. She left only her young son, Titus, and a will behind stating that he must never remarry another woman. Lonely and heartbroken, Rembrandt’s art became doused in darker tones and had a sketchier look. This was paired with the change to thicker paint and harder brushstrokes, giving his art a modern view. Rembrandt hires Hendrickje Stoffels as a housekeeper, as he is extremely busy with his painting. After some time, she becomes his mistress and model for his work. She helped pose for works, such as Bathsheba at her Bath, created in 1654. Because Hendrickje and Rembrandt are not married, they are shunned, and his art falls out of popularity. He spends his earnings recklessly and is declared bankrupt. Rembrandt’s financial and emotional issues were prolonged, and his house is sold. In 1663, Hendrickje Stoffels passes away, leaving Rembrandt alone. In 1668, Rembrandt’s only surviving son, Titus, passes away. Possibly from grief, in 1669, Rembrandt passes away at the age of 63. The cause of death is unknown, as there is no proof of illness. He is buried in a poor man’s grave, unmarked and rented, in Westerkerk. Rembrandt’s miraculous artistic techniques have changed the way art is studied and viewed forever. The hardship within his life makes his artwork vivid and full of residual emotions which will stay with all who view his work.
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