Who is Rembrandt

Art Lesson 38, Part 1

In this lesson, you will discover Who is Rembrandt

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Who is Rembrandt

I’m certain that anyone remotely familiar with the Old Masters knows who Rembrandt is. For the last few years, I have collected feedback from my art students and readers on different art related topics. One of the questions asked was: “Based on your opinion, who is the greatest artist of all time?” My response: “Rembrandt is absolutely number one.”

Because there is on-going discussion about the authenticity of Rembrandt’s paintings, it is hard to tell the exact figure.

One of the leading experts in 1913 identified 988 works by the master; however, by 1968 another specialist reduced this number to 420. The Rembrandt Research Project (RRP) acknowledged they are certain about no more than 300 paintings.

This constant reduction in the number of paintings that have been attributed to the master has continued since 1935. Some of the paintings that were recognized as Rembrandt’s works are now identified as works created by his followers, copies made by his workshop, and artworks designed in his style.

Many of these artworks don’t differ much from the originals. Very similar materials and techniques of Rembrandt make it very difficult to distinguish between paintings by his circle and by the master himself.