10 of Rembrandt’s Greatest Masterpieces

10 of Rembrandt’s Greatest Masterpieces

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn was a popular 17th-century painter who made a significant impact on the world of art during that period. He is famed for his use of light and shadow to brilliantly capture the depth of human emotion in a realistic way. With over 300 paintings to his name, Rembrandt is one of the figures that should be celebrated for his contribution to the art scene. Therefore, this article will explore the ten greatest masterpieces that he ever made to give the reader a glimpse into the brilliance that was Rembrandt.

1 The night watch

The Night Watch Painting by Rembrandt. Rembrandt , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The paint is famously known as the Night Watch but its official name is Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq. This painting was painted in 1642 and it is regarded as one of the most iconic portraits in the realm of portraiture.  The painting which was commissioned by Captain Frans Banning Cocq and his civic guard employs the use of colour and light which in turn resulted in a monumental piece.

Rembrandt’s skill is demonstrated by the way he highlights specific people within the group and uses light and shadow to provide dynamism to the composition. With their militia encircling them, the captain and his lieutenant take centre stage, their faces glowing against the black background. The piece celebrates civic engagement and friendship in addition to depicting a military company. This piece remains to be the artist’s most popular piece.

2 The storm on the Sea of Galilee

This painting was painted by Rembrandt in 1663. It is a dramatic depiction of Jesus’s miracle in the sea of Galilee when he calmed the storm. The painting features a boat battling with strong waves with people on the boat which can be assumed to be his disciples trying to keep the boat balanced and avoid its capsize. Unfortunately, this stunning piece that was kept in the Isabella Gardner Museum in Boston was stolen in 1990 when two thieves went to the museum posing as police officers and made away with the painting and up to date it has not been recovered.

3 The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp

This painting which was painted in 1632 stands at the pinnacle of the artist’s early career. It was commissioned by the Amsterdam Guild of Surgeons and it features Dr. Tulp, a famous physician during that time conducting an anatomy lesson on the corpse of a criminal that had just been executed. This was a norm in Holland in that once a year, there was public anatomy performed on the corpse of an executed criminal. In the painting, Rembrandt skillfully employs the use of light on the subjects who are watching the scene to bring out the curiosity they seem to have in the process. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail is seen in how he paints the cadaver and also captures the expressions of the doctor’s subjects. The painting is now housed in the Mauritshuis Art Museum in the Hague.

4 Self-Portrait with Two Circles

The eye-catching piece gives an art enthusiast an insight into the artist’s introspective approach to self-portraiture.  The exact year that it was painted is not known but it is believed to have been around 1665 to 1669. The painting features Rembrandt with two overlapping circles in the background. The purpose of the circles is not known but art experts have suggested that it may signify the duality of the artist’s inner and outer worlds.

He employs the use of light by illuminating his face and leaving the rest in a shadow which in turn creates a stunning contrast and also adds a sense of mystery. Furthermore, the expression on his face is contemplative which portrays the depth of his thoughts. The painting is one of his mature pieces that captures the understanding of human character and challenges people to explore the complexities of their identities.

5 The Jewish Bride

The painting of the Jewish bride.

This painting exudes emotional intimacy and rich symbolism. It features a couple that many believe to be the biblical Isaac and Rebecca but the identity of the couple is yet to be proven. As we know, Rembrandt employs the use of light and shadow to bring out emotion and create contrast in his paintings and this one is no exception. He masterfully uses light and shadow to create a warm and intimate atmosphere which in turn enhances the tender connection between the two figures. The painting also features the bride’s hand on the groom’s chest which suggests that they are in a loving relationship. In this painting, Rembrandt’s attention to detail is seen through the bride’s pearl necklace and the intricate fabric which makes the painting eye-catching.

6 The Return of the Prodigal Son

This masterpiece which got its inspiration from a parable by Jesus Christ which is found in the Gospel of Luke was painted in 1667. The painting shows the touching moment when the father reunited with his wayward son who had taken his inheritance and gone to squander it. The artist is able to capture the emotional intensity of the moment when the father forgives his repentant son. The use of light emphasises the father’s compassionate expression and the son’s humble posture which signifies the remorse he feels for his actions. This stunning piece brings out the artist’s deep understanding of familial relationships and the depth of human emotions.

7 The Syndics of the Drapers

The painting of the six merchants by Remrandt. Rembrandt , Public domain, via Wikimedia Common

The compelling group portrait was painted in 1662 after it was commissioned by Amsterdam’s Drapers Guild. The painting features six syndics who are gathered around a table examining textiles.  The artist uses light to illuminate each of the character’s faces and the play of shadow in the painting adds to the depth of the scene. The painting captures each merchant with a distinct expression thus conveying their different personalities as well as their position in the guild. Rembrandt goes on to capture the intricate textures of the fabric and the reflective surfaces of the objects in the painting which is a testament to his skill. The painting cements the fact that Rembrandt is a phenomenal artist as he is able to capture humanity so well in a portrait which is no easy feat.

8 The Polish Rider

The intriguing painting was done by Rembrandt in 1665. The painting’s mysterious appeal is heightened by the rider’s ambiguous identity and meaning. With a staff raised and a thoughtful expression on his face, the main figure, who is a lone horseman clothed in exotic garb, gazes off into the distance. A sense of uncertainty is added by the moody, gloomy background, which highlights the rider’s alone. A biblical or historical figure may be depicted in the picture, according to some art historians, while virtue or the human condition may be symbolised. The interplay of light and shadow in Rembrandt’s exquisite chiaroscuro painting intensifies the emotional impact.

9 Bathsheba at her Bath

Bathsheba. Rembrandt , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This painting is one of Rembrandt’s popular nude paintings. It features Bathsheba taking a bath. The painting was painted in 1654 and an art expert Eric Jan Sluijter reveals that Bathsheba was a common character in nude paintings during that period. The painting depicts the woman as she was seen by King David from his palace where he proceeds to seduce her and gets her pregnant. The artist uses thick brushstrokes and vibrant colours to capture the erotic vitality in the painting. Furthermore, the shadow cast on the background makes Bathsheba luminous and brings the painting to a tight pictorial focus.

10 Danae

This painting is termed as one of the artist’s best nude paintings. It is a portrayal of Princess Diana, the mother of Perseus, a prominent figure in Greek mythology. The life-sized painting employs the use of warm tones in the background while the princess has been painted using a vibrant colour which resulted in a great artistic contrast. The painting shows the princess lying in her bed naked and it captures the passion of her welcoming her lover.

Rembrandt was one of the greatest painters that the 17th century had ever seen as he painted pieces that captured the emotion and atmosphere of the subject. The article features some of his best work but it is not exhaustive as the painter worked on other phenomenal pieces that are thought-provoking and will make the reader want to know more about them. However, the article is a good place to start exploring the great works of Rembrandt.