Rembrandt

Chapter 1: Introduction

The book Rembrandt opens with an introduction that discusses the life and work of the great Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669). The introduction reviews his early life and studies, his rise to fame, and his contribution to the development of Dutch Baroque painting. Rembrandt is described as a master of many techniques and a master psychologist in his portraits. This chapter provides a glimpse into the complexity and brilliance of the Rembrandt's art and establishes his place in art history.

Chapter 2: Rembrandt the Artist

Chapter two focuses on Rembrandt's artistic achievements. It examines his technical innovations -- such as combining light and shadow and using dramatic lighting to set a mood -- and his inventive compositions. It reviews the topics and themes that are found in his paintings, which range from self-portraits to images of everyday people. It also covers his development of the print medium and his expansive use of prints to promote his art.

Chapter 3: The Rembrandt Workshop

This chapter moves on to cover Rembrandt's workshop, which set the foundation for the Dutch Golden Age of painting. It examines Rembrandt's business practices — such as creating reproductions of his most popular paintings — and his relationship with his students and newspapers. It provides a close look at the practice of painting in Holland during the seventeenth century.

Chapter 4: Rembrandt’s Last Painting

The fourth chapter focuses on the last painting Rembrandt completed before his death: The Syndics of the Amsterdam Guild of Saint Luke. This monumental painting was commissioned by the syndics, or regents, of the Guild and is a testament to his finesse in working with complex group commissions. The chapter reviews the painting's composition, its realistic painting style, and its topical allusions.

Chapter 5: Legacy

The final chapter looks at the legacy of Rembrandt's work. It examines how his technical innovations set new standards for the Dutch Baroque movement. It also discusses how he has been studied and copied by subsequent generations of painters, including Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, and Gerrit de Gelder. Finally, it reviews the appreciation for Rembrandt's work that has grown since his death, leading to numerous exhibition, restorations, and the establishment of the Rembrandt Research Project in 1968.