Rembrandt Timeline
Rembrandt by People
Rembrandt van Rijn, born in 1606, was a famous Dutch painter and etcher, known for his innovative use of light and shadow. He is considered one of the greatest painters in European history, creating over 300 etchings and 2,000 drawings in his lifetime. His most famous works include "The Night Watch" and "Self-Portrait with Two Circles." Rembrandt's art had a profound impact on the Baroque style of the 17th century, influencing many artists to come. Despite facing personal tragedies and financial hardships, his work continues to be celebrated for its depth, emotion, and innovative technique.
July 15, 1606
Birth of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn in Leiden, Netherlands
This famous artist was born to a miller, Harmen Gerritszoon van Rijn, and his wife, Neeltgen Willemsdochter van Zuytbrouck. His full name means "Rembrandt, son of Harmen, from the Rhine". His birthplace, Leiden, is a city known for its historic university and beautiful canals.
September 1, 1620
Start of Rembrandt's education at the University of Leiden
At the University of Leiden, the young artist didn't study art, but literature. He was enrolled for a short period, not completing a degree. This education, however brief, influenced his later works, with many featuring classical and biblical themes.
Year 1624
Begins apprenticeship with local artist Jacob van Swanenburg
The artist, a native of Leiden, Netherlands, started his training under Jacob van Swanenburg at a young age. Swanenburg, a respected painter, taught him the basics of painting for about three years. This apprenticeship was a crucial stepping stone in the artist's journey to becoming one of the most renowned painters in history.
Year 1627
Opens his own studio in Leiden and begins teaching students
In this studio, the artist started to train others in his unique style of painting. This marked a significant step in his career, as he was not only creating art but also passing on his knowledge and skills. His students would go on to become accomplished artists in their own right.
Year 1631
Moves to Amsterdam to study with Pieter Lastman, a well-known painter
In Amsterdam, the young artist learned from Pieter Lastman, who was renowned for his historical scenes. This move marked a significant period in his artistic development, as Lastman's influence can be seen in his later works. The training lasted about six months, after which he returned to his hometown, Leiden.
Year 1631
Moves back to Amsterdam and becomes a successful portrait painter
Upon his return to Amsterdam, the artist quickly gained fame for his unique style of portraiture. His ability to capture the human soul and emotion in his work set him apart from other artists of his time. This period marked a significant turning point in his career, as he began to receive numerous commissions from wealthy patrons.
June 22, 1634
Marries Saskia van Uylenburgh, daughter of a wealthy burgomaster
The marriage took place in the Dutch city of Amsterdam, where both the artist and Saskia resided. Saskia's affluent background provided financial stability, allowing the artist to focus on his work. Their union lasted until Saskia's untimely death in 1642.
Year 1642
Completes his most famous painting, 'The Night Watch'
'The Night Watch' is a large oil painting that depicts a city guard moving out, led by Captain Frans Banninck Cocq and his lieutenant, Willem van Ruytenburch. It is renowned for its size, the dramatic use of light and shadow, and the perception of motion in what would have traditionally been a static military group portrait. The painting is housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
December 12, 1642
Death of Rembrandt's wife, Saskia, after the birth of their son, Titus
Saskia, the wife of the famous Dutch painter, passed away shortly after giving birth to their son, Titus. This tragic event occurred around December 12, 1642. Her death had a profound impact on the artist's life and work.
July 17, 1656
Declares bankruptcy and loses his house and collection of art
The artist had lived beyond his means, buying art, prints and rarities, which led to his financial downfall. His expensive lifestyle and lack of income from his art sales caused him to accumulate a large debt. As a result, his house and his collection of art, which included works by other artists, were sold off to pay his creditors.
September 4, 1668
Death of Rembrandt's son, Titus, leaving him without any living children
Titus, the only child of the Dutch painter to reach adulthood, passed away, possibly from the plague. This left the artist completely bereft of family, as his wife and other children had predeceased him. The death of Titus was a significant blow to the painter, deeply affecting his personal life and work.
October 4, 1669
Death of Rembrandt in Amsterdam, Netherlands
The renowned artist passed away in the city where he spent most of his life. His death marked the end of an era in Dutch art history, known as the Dutch Golden Age. His work, characterized by innovative techniques and deep understanding of human nature, left a lasting impact on the world of art.
Rembrandt van Rijn, born in 1606, was a famous Dutch painter and etcher, known for his innovative use of light and shadow. He is considered one of the greatest painters in European history, creating over 300 etchings and 2,000 drawings in his lifetime. His most famous works include "The Night Watch" and "Self-Portrait with Two Circles." Rembrandt's art had a profound impact on the Baroque style of the 17th century, influencing many artists to come. Despite facing personal tragedies and financial hardships, his work continues to be celebrated for its depth, emotion, and innovative technique.
This famous artist was born to a miller, Harmen Gerritszoon van Rijn, and his wife, Neeltgen Willemsdochter van Zuytbrouck. His full name means "Rembrandt, son of Harmen, from the Rhine". His birthplace, Leiden, is a city known for its historic university and beautiful canals.
At the University of Leiden, the young artist didn't study art, but literature. He was enrolled for a short period, not completing a degree. This education, however brief, influenced his later works, with many featuring classical and biblical themes.
The artist, a native of Leiden, Netherlands, started his training under Jacob van Swanenburg at a young age. Swanenburg, a respected painter, taught him the basics of painting for about three years. This apprenticeship was a crucial stepping stone in the artist's journey to becoming one of the most renowned painters in history.
In this studio, the artist started to train others in his unique style of painting. This marked a significant step in his career, as he was not only creating art but also passing on his knowledge and skills. His students would go on to become accomplished artists in their own right.
In Amsterdam, the young artist learned from Pieter Lastman, who was renowned for his historical scenes. This move marked a significant period in his artistic development, as Lastman's influence can be seen in his later works. The training lasted about six months, after which he returned to his hometown, Leiden.
Upon his return to Amsterdam, the artist quickly gained fame for his unique style of portraiture. His ability to capture the human soul and emotion in his work set him apart from other artists of his time. This period marked a significant turning point in his career, as he began to receive numerous commissions from wealthy patrons.
The marriage took place in the Dutch city of Amsterdam, where both the artist and Saskia resided. Saskia's affluent background provided financial stability, allowing the artist to focus on his work. Their union lasted until Saskia's untimely death in 1642.
'The Night Watch' is a large oil painting that depicts a city guard moving out, led by Captain Frans Banninck Cocq and his lieutenant, Willem van Ruytenburch. It is renowned for its size, the dramatic use of light and shadow, and the perception of motion in what would have traditionally been a static military group portrait. The painting is housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Saskia, the wife of the famous Dutch painter, passed away shortly after giving birth to their son, Titus. This tragic event occurred around December 12, 1642. Her death had a profound impact on the artist's life and work.
The artist had lived beyond his means, buying art, prints and rarities, which led to his financial downfall. His expensive lifestyle and lack of income from his art sales caused him to accumulate a large debt. As a result, his house and his collection of art, which included works by other artists, were sold off to pay his creditors.
Titus, the only child of the Dutch painter to reach adulthood, passed away, possibly from the plague. This left the artist completely bereft of family, as his wife and other children had predeceased him. The death of Titus was a significant blow to the painter, deeply affecting his personal life and work.
The renowned artist passed away in the city where he spent most of his life. His death marked the end of an era in Dutch art history, known as the Dutch Golden Age. His work, characterized by innovative techniques and deep understanding of human nature, left a lasting impact on the world of art.