Self-Portrait (detail), 1659, by Rembrandt van Rijn (National Gallery of Art)
The 17th-century Dutch painter and printmaker Rembrandt van Rijn is one of the great innovators in Western art. Though best known for his psychologically revealing self-portraits, Rembrandt is also an acknowledged master of light and shadow, rich color, and luxuriant brushwork, qualities that would be emulated by generations of later artists.
Using web-based, high-resolution images that provide a look at Rembrandt’s practice from an uncommonly close point of view, art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine explores some of the most unique aspects of his artistic language. By investigating a variety of works including his self-portraits, his most successful public commission The Night Watch, and his depictions of characters from the Old Testament and classical history, she shares what makes Rembrandt truly a master of his art.
To complement the presentation, she leads optional small-group tours at the National Gallery of Art for an in-depth discussion of selected Rembrandt paintings in the museum’s collection. Sign-up sheets are available at the program. Please note that if you are interested in the tour, please select our "+ Tour" price options.
Georgievska-Shine is a scholar of Renaissance and Baroque art and lecturer in the department of art history and archaeology at the University of Maryland, College Park.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit
