Rembrandt: Fame, Fortune, and Bankruptcy

ART HIS 879.14

Politics, economics, religion, and Rembrandt’s family life all contributed to the rise and fall of his fame and fortune. Using Rembrandt as an example, this course illustrates how personal choices, along with an uncontrollable environment, work together to determine the direction and ultimate end of a life.

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What you can learn.

Summary of Rembrandt’s relevant biographical information and discussion of the economic and political climate of the time
Changes in the political and economic situations in the Dutch Republic during this period
Overview of Rembrandt’s career and artistic innovations
Review of personal tragedies that affected his art, lifestyle and success

About this course:

Politics, economics, religion, and Rembrandt’s family life all contributed to the rise and fall of his fame and fortune. His personal choices in early life led to extremely wealth, but eventually caused him to fall into bankruptcy. Using Rembrandt as an example, this course illustrates how personal choices, along with an uncontrollable environment, work together to determine the direction and ultimate end of a life. Rembrandt’s life, punctuated by the actions of his family, the Dutch Republic, and himself, can be seen in his artwork. The class has an interactive component where students research other Dutch portraitists to determine whether they would have selected Rembrandt or another artist to paint their portrait.