{"title":"Rembrandt Portraits","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRembrandt Portraits\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRembrandt's portraits remain unmatched in their psychological depth and their command of light, shadow and human presence. This collection gathers portrait works by Rembrandt that demonstrate how he could invest the sitter with gravity, immediacy and uncommon inner life.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor collectors of Old Master art, Rembrandt portraiture offers a direct encounter with one of the most searching minds in European painting and printmaking. Explore works that show why his portraits continue to shape the history of the genre.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"jan-cornelis-sylvius-preacher-by-rembrandt-van-rijn","title":"Jan Cornelis Sylvius, Preacher by Rembrandt Van Rijn","description":"Rembrandt van Rijn\u003cbr\u003e 1606–1669 | Dutch \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eJan Cornelis Sylvius, Preacher\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e New Hollstein Dutch and Flemish (Rembrandt) 235, state 2\/2\u003cbr\u003e Bartsch 280\u003cbr\u003e Printed by Rembrandt\u003cbr\u003e Signed and dated \"Rembrandt 1646\" (top center)\u003cbr\u003e Etching on paper \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Renowned among the Old Masters, the Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn is widely regarded as the greatest etcher in the history of art. As the foremost Dutch printmaker, his body of work includes nearly 300 authenticated prints, distinguished by groundbreaking techniques that redefined the medium. This remarkable 1646 etching was printed by Rembrandt himself and captures the esteemed Dutch minister Johannes Cornelis Sylvius seated at his desk, holding a closed book in one hand and gesturing thoughtfully with the other. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A luminous and lifelike portrayal, the oval-framed composition underscores Rembrandt’s mastery of etching, with his characteristic ability to bring a subject to life through dramatic contrasts and meticulous detail. The expert shadowing of Sylvius's extended right hand makes it appear to reach beyond the surface of the paper. The surrounding Latin inscriptions celebrate Sylvius’s eloquence, piety and steadfast dedication to his pastoral duties. The lengthy text below the image, composed by poets Caspar Barlaeus and Petrus Sylvius, extols his spiritual leadership, virtuous life and profound impact on the communities he served across Friesland and Amsterdam. See translations below. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The son of a miller, Rembrandt van Rijn is believed to have been born in Leiden on July 15, 1606. He studied first at the Latin School and then was enrolled at the University of Leiden at the age of 14. He soon left to study art—first with a local master, Jacob van Swanenburch, and then, in Amsterdam, with Pieter Lastman, known for his historical paintings. Rembrandt was an exceptionally gifted student and mastered his art in a mere six months. Now 22 years old, he returned to Leiden and was soon so highly regarded that he was able to take students of his own. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Now considered one of the greatest artists of all time, almost every major institution has examples of his etchings. Additional second-state etchings of this portrait reside in esteemed collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Galleries of Scotland, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago, among others. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1646 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Etching: 11\" high x 7 1\/2\" wide (27.94 x 19.05 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 19 1\/2\" high x 15 1\/2\" wide x 1 1\/8\" deep (49.53 x 39.37 x 2.86 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Inscription:\u003cbr\u003e Below the image, 16 lines of Latin text by Caspar Barlaeus and Petrus Sylvius:\u003cbr\u003e \"His eloquence taught adoration of Christ,\u003cbr\u003e And revealed to the people the true way to the heavens.\u003cbr\u003e Such was the face of Sylvius; we heard him\u003cbr\u003e Speak to these citizens of Amsterdam with his voice.\u003cbr\u003e He gave instruction to the Frisians: piety\u003cbr\u003e And religion long stood protected by his stern defense.\u003cbr\u003e His venerable age shone with its virtues,\u003cbr\u003e And weary old age rendered learned men.\u003cbr\u003e A lover of simplicity, he scorned the pretense of outward appearance,\u003cbr\u003e Nor did he wish to please good men merely with his looks.\u003cbr\u003e Thus he determined: Jesus is better taught by life,\u003cbr\u003e And the thunder of words is less effective.\u003cbr\u003e Amsterdam, remember him who has passed,\u003cbr\u003e Who shaped this city with his morals,\u003cbr\u003e He shone here by the very presence of God himself.“\u003cbr\u003e — C. Barlaeus \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"No longer do I extol his virtues,\u003cbr\u003e Which I admire and vainly pursue in verse.\"\u003cbr\u003e — P. S. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Around the oval:\u003cbr\u003e \"Christ is my hope. Johannes Cornelij Sylvius. From Amsterdam, having served as minister of the Word of God for 45 years and 6 months, in Friesland at Tyemarum and Phridgum for 4 years, at Balk and Harich for a single year, in Minnertsga for 4 years, at Slot for 6 years, and in Amsterdam for 28 years and 6 months, where he died in the year 1638, November 19th, aged 74 years.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, United States\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, The Netherlands\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e Bartsch, Catalogue Raisonné of the Works of the Principal Dutch and Flemish Painters, 280\u003cbr\u003e Erik Hinterding, Jacob Rutgers, and Ger Luijten, New Hollstein: Rembrandt, Vol. I, cat. no. 142","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875575562375,"sku":"32-0479","price":78500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0479_1.png?v=1772364844"}],"url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/collections\/rembrandt-portraits.oembed","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}