Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn essays

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn essays Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn is known as one of the most influential painters of his time because of his original style of painting. Though he faced many tragedies in his life, he managed to create some of the most exquisite works of his era. He is known for incredible use of chiaroscuro in his works. His pieces also contain a subtle darkness that manages to captivate the human soul. Rembrandt's life, believe it or not, was not one to be desired. He was born on July 15, 1606, in Leiden. His father was a poor miller. Though they did not have much, they made sure that their son would get a good education, so they sent him to the Latin School. He attended there until he turned fourteen, when he decided to go to Leiden University. After a short stay there, he left to pursue his study of art. He first studied with Jacob van Swanenburch, and later with Pieter Lastman, a famous historical painter, in Amsterdam. It took only six months for Rembrandt to master the arts from Lastman, and he then returned to Leiden. Though he was only twenty- two years old, he began to receive his own pupils. Rembrandt was an accomplished student of the arts, which enabled him to achieve so much at a young age. In 1631, Rembrandt moved to Amsterdam where he was married to Saskia van Uylenburgh in 1634. She was related to a wealthy art dealer, which helped Rembrandt's career tremendously. By 1641, Saskia had given birth to four children, but only one, Titus, had survived. Unfortunately, the year after that, she passed away. Saskia's death marked a decline in events in Rembrandt's life. Though he re-married in 1649 to Hendrickje Stoffels, he was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1656. Though this was a low point in his life, Rembrandt managed to create some of his best works, such as The Jewish Bride, Jacob Blessing the Sons of Joseph, and Bathsheba. Near the end of his life, Rembrandt was visited by death, but this time it took his wife a...