The Art of Rembrandt

Term Paper # 116221

Art > Artists

A discussion of Rembrandt van Rijn's artwork as symbolic of the events that transpired during his lifetime.

1,918 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the major events that took place during Rembrandt's lifetime and how these events were portrayed in his artwork. The paper first explains how Rembrandt's work advanced Calvinism, the new religious movement at the time that brought about new interpretations of the Bible. The paper then explains how Rembrandt's paintings and drawings show the differences between Calvinism and Catholicism, a very significant topic of debate during his time. Lastly, the paper points out Holland's tolerance in Rembrandt's time and how it is very visible in Rembrandt's work.

From the Paper:

"Rembrandt van Rijn is a well-known artist because of the beauty that his paintings and drawing hold and he his recognized as such. What is often overlooked, however, is the fact that his work is also very symbolic of the events that were transpiring during his lifetime. Rembrandt was born during the Reformation period, where Protestantism was becoming a popular religious choice in Europe. Over the centuries, Catholicism had been the dominant ideology in Europe, but the population had grown weary of the Church constantly abusing its power and the clergy using its position to make itself wealthy. Because of this corruption, a number of men brought new ideas forth. One of these men was John Calvin and his ideology became known as Calvinism. Calvinism was very popular in Holland, where Rembrandt was from, during this time period and it preached an increased focus on being tolerant of other people."

Sample of Sources Used:

Hawkins, Margaret. "'Rembrandt's Journey' takes us deep inside the human character". Chicago Sun-Times. 20 February 2004. Viewed 19 October 2006. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20040220/ai_n12532198
Marty, Martin E. "Seeing Beyond the Word: Visual Arts and the Calvinist Tradition. - Review". Christian Century. 19 April 2000. Viewed 19 October 2006. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_13_117/ai_62023952
"Rembrandt: a master across three media". USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education". March 2004. Viewed 19 October 2006. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1272/is_2706_132/ai_114740980