The Storm on the Sea of Galilee

The artist Rembrandt was as everyone knows, an incredible painter.  He is known for his portraits (self and others) as well as Biblical New Testament scenes.  He was praised by his contemporaries, who extolled him as a masterful interpreter of biblical stories for his skill in representing emotions and attention to detail.  In the early 20th century, it was claimed that Rembrandt had produced over 600 paintings, nearly 400 etchings and 2,000 drawings.  But in more recent years it is believed, though controversially, that he created more like 300, paintings, 300 etchings and more than 2,000 drawings.

He was born on July 15, 1606 as Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, in Leiden which is a part of what is now the Netherlands. He was the ninth child born to Harmen Gerritszoon van Rijn (a miller) and Neeltgen Willemsdochter van Zuytbrouck (a baker’s daughter. His family was also quite well-off.  He attended all of the best schools and was apprenticed to the famous painter Pieter Lastman which was an incredibly important part of his life.  Around 1625, Rembrandt opened a studio in Leiden which he shared with friend and colleague Jan Lievens. In 1627, Rembrandt began to accept students.  By 1631, Rembrandt had moved to Amsterdam and began his career as a portraitist, meeting extreme success.  Soon after he married his friends cousin Saskia van Uylenberg and the rest is history.  Thank you for being born, Rembrandt.