Rembrandt van Rijn Biography and Works.

A famous Dutch painter, teacher and art dealer, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn was a master of various forms of paintings.

On July 15, 1606 in Leiden, Netherlands, Rembrandt was born in a family of modest means. His father was a miller and hence could not afford a luxurious life for Rembrandt. Yet, his parents took great care with his education. He, at the age of 14, was enrolled at the University of Leiden.

The programme did not interest him and he left the university and studied art under two local masters – Jacon van Swanenburch and Pieter Lastma.

He painted landscapes, mythical figures and portraits in rich colours, exhibiting the movement of light in them.

He married the cousin of a successful art dealer Saskia van Uylenburgh, which helped him in enhancing his career. His acquaintances got him many deals and rich patrons.

He had three children, who passed away within a period of five years and Saskia also died at the age of 30 in 1642.

In 1649, he married his housekeeper, Hendrickje Stoffels, who became the subject of many of his paintings.

Despite Rembrandt’s financial success as an artist, teacher and an art dealer, his fondness for ostentatious living forced him to bankruptcy in 1656 and had to auction most of his belongings.

He died on October 5, 1665.

Rembrandt is known for his works, such as The Blinding of Samson, and even his landscapes. His most well-known works include The Jewish Bride, The Mill, Bathseba, The Return of the Prodigal Son, and many more.

Trivia

The house in Amsterdam, in which Rembrandt lived and later sold, was converted into a museum in 1911 in the honour of the artist.