Rembrandt and His Works / Comprising a Short Account of His Life; with a Critical Examination into His Principles and Practice of Design, Light, Shade, and Colour. Illustrated by Examples from the Etchings of Rembrandt.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22690

Title

Rembrandt and His Works / Comprising a Short Account of His Life; with a Critical Examination into His Principles and Practice of Design, Light, Shade, and Colour. Illustrated by Examples from the Etchings of Rembrandt.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1849 volume by John Burnet offers a critical examination of Rembrandt's artistic principles, focusing on his mastery of light, shade, and color. Illustrated with etchings, the text argues that Rembrandt's genius lies in his ability to capture nature's essence through soft, harmonious tones rather than rigid rules, establishing him as a foundational figure for the British School of Painting.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1849, John Burnet's *Rembrandt and His Works* offers a comprehensive critical examination of the life and art of Rembrandt Van Rhyn, aiming to correct enduring misconceptions and elevate the artist's reputation. Burnet immediately addresses the popular myth that Rembrandt was born in a mill, clarifying that while his father owned a mill, the artist was born in a dwelling nearby. The text traces Rembrandt's education under various masters, including Jacob Van Zwaanenburg, Peter Lastman, and Jacob Pinas, noting his early inclination toward painting over the law. Burnet highlights Rembrandt's move to Amsterdam in 1628, where he established a prolific career spanning from 1630 to 1656, supported by wealthy patrons like Burgomaster Six. The work provides a detailed analysis of specific masterpieces, such as *Professor Tulpius giving an Anatomical Lecture*, which Burnet praises for its truthful coloration and sublime composition. Burnet also discusses the artist's portraits, including those of Van Tolling and Coppenol, lauding their mastery of light and shadow. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to Rembrandt's landscapes, particularly the anecdotal creation of *Six's Bridge*. Burnet explains that Rembrandt did not merely copy nature but distilled its 'real essence,' excluding extraneous details to focus on great leading features. He notes how Rembrandt managed perspective in flat Dutch landscapes, using strong foregrounds and diminishing lines to create depth. Crucially, Burnet investigates Rembrandt's unique principles of design, light, shade, and color. He describes the artist's use of indistinct tints reminiscent of twilight, avoiding harsh outlines to achieve harmony. Burnet emphasizes Rembrandt's skill in contrasting warm and cold colors to create breadth, a technique that prevents the work from appearing heavy. He argues that Rembrandt's genius lay in his ability to perceive the luminous color shining from the center of his subjects, much like precious stones. By focusing on these technical and thematic elements, Burnet positions Rembrandt as an original master whose style, grounded in the study of nature, remains unapproached by predecessors or successors, laying a foundation for future artistic practice.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• Art