August 12, 2008

• Would you like come up and see my etchings?

  Isn't that how the old pick-up line goes?  Well Rembrandt certainly could have used that line.  He was not only a painter he did hundreds of copperplate etchings and even had an oak press in his house to print them on.  At that time if you couldn't afford one of his paintings you could always buy an original etching.  Of course if you were rich and wanted an original by him you could come to his house to choose the painting you wanted. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 This chair was for the more wealthy guests, everyone else had to take one of the chairs located around the perimeter of the room.  You were welcomed into this entry room and while you waited you could browse the painting on the walls or you could sit out of the drafts and watch people passing by on the street from your elevated position.

  Not only were original Rembrandt's hung here but also work by his students and works by other artists he admired. 

   

   

  When Rembrandt was ready to receive you, you were brought into his "office".  There were more works of art as well as this box bed.  I'm guessing that after ol' Remmy had his mid-day meal just like everyone else in the world he needed a nap.  Rather convenient to have one so close by.

  The bed was beautifully carved wood and could be completely closed to keep in warmth.  The fireplace next to it looks like its all marble but the truth is some of it is painted wood to resemble marble.  (tricky)

   

  

  This is in his living room/bedroom.   Paintings hung on the walls of this high-ceilinged room, among them biblical scenes by Rembrandt and works by artists who were close to his heart, including Pieter Lastman, Jan Lievens and Hercules Segers. Rembrandt slept in a box bed by the door. One of his more famous drawings, shows his wife Saskia lying in bed.  Or at least they think it's her.

   

   

   

   

  

  
  If you were in the box bed this is the fireplace you would see. The details are amazing, from the male and female figures and the hand painted tile surround to the intricately carved mantle.  They sure don't make 'em like they used too. 

   

  

  This is also the bedroom/living room. I took this from the stairs so you could see the artwork.  Prospective buyers could choose from this room as well.  Only the really rich could afford to commission a work, such as a portrait, most bought what was already painted.

   

   

   

   

   

  

  Last but not least a couple of pictures from the "cabinet".  This room held examples of things that might need to be reproduced in a painting.  He also had all types of weapons and busts hanging on the  walls of his studio on the same floor.

  
  The sheer amount of stuff in this room was overwhelming.  I can imagine Rembrandt in his studio telling one of his students to "fetch the butterfly case so I can finish this still life".  Or "bring that bust of  Nero from the cabinet".  His students made his paints and prepared canvases among other things.  The studio was the largest and by far the brightest room in the house, it's also one of 2 rooms that I didn't get pictures of, the other being the kitchen. (to dark, they all turned out blurry.) 

   

  The Rembrandt House museum has a really terrific website and you can take a virtual tour of the house.  <---- link

  If your wondering how they know what was in Rembrandt's house in such detail I can tell you.  In 1656 Rembrandt was forced into bankruptcy and an inventory of everything in the house was made.  From top to bottom including such minor things as cups and plate it was all described and set for sale to pay off his debts.  The house was sold as well as the contents and Rembrandt lived the remainder of his life in a small rented house until his death in 1669. 

  Hope you all enjoy this small part of art history.

  Happy Tuesday!

  • 5:38 am
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