Discover the Dutch master Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn, creator of some of the world's most famous portraits and historical, religious and mythological scenes for his unique vision of people and situations.Including paintings, prints and drawings, we explore Rembrandt's key works to discover the stylistic and technical innovations with which he changed the course of European art.

Perfect Portraits

Face to face with Rembrandt van Rijn

Although he never left his homeland in the Netherlands, Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) changed the course of Western art with his vast repertoire of paintings, drawings and prints. His prolific oeuvre encompasses religious, historical and secular scenes, as well as one of the most extraordinary series of portraits and self-portraits in history.
Texture, light and a keen power of observation are the master's defining characteristics. Like sudden, startling apparitions in a dark street, the characters glow against deep, dark backgrounds, the result of an extremely faithful and detailed physical and psychological rendering. Whether biblical or mythological figures, powerful patrons or fellow citizens, he gives them all not only detailed facial features but also the intriguing power of thoughts and feelings, so that even narratives from ancient times such as the biblical passage of David and Batsheba reach a new level of human drama.Rembrandt was also the author of a chronicle of his own face, from his youth to the year of his death, comprising the most extensive series of self-portraits ever created.
His rise coincided with the emergence of the Dutch Golden Age, a time of prosperity in the Netherlands. He was encouraged by wealthy patrons, but above all he was driven by a deep fascination with people. In this book we look at some of Rembrandt's key paintings, prints and drawings to present his techniques, inspirations and exceptional achievements. From the Baroque style of Balthasar's Feast to the world-famous Night Watch, we discover a world of rich, deep tones, a masterful talent for drawing and an extraordinary sensitivity to the human condition.

About the author

Michael Bockemühl (1943-2009) studied art history, philosophy and church history in Munich and Bochum. In 1984 he qualified for a professorship at the Ruhr-University Bochum, where he taught art history of late antiquity, the Middle Ages and the early modern period as a visiting professor. In 1990 he was awarded the chair of art science, aesthetics and art education at the University of Witten/Herdecke. With TASCHEN, he has published monographs on Rembrandt (1991) and Turner (1991).

Publisher: Taschen