Remembering Rembrandt van Rijn & His Genius

photo via guardian.co.uk

“The best of everything – that’s (that is) what I wish you all

The best of everything – a rembrandt (hanging) on your (the) wall.”

Frank Sinatra

MASTER STROKE

Today, art lovers all over the world are celebrating the life and art of Dutch Baroque master Rembrandt (1606 – 1669). Before I start a yet very busy week, I thought it’s worth the time to stop and take notice that Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn was one of the greatest and most influential painters in the history of Western art. I find it both remarkable and fascinating how his paintings depicted a masterful and compassionate side of his sadly complex and at times, anguished life. Although he was made famous in his early 20s, his personal life was marked by tragic deaths and financial ruins. Rembrandt combated these difficulties by painting with great technical brilliance which made his work universally significant.