When looking at the images of Modern Art, it can sometimes seem elusive that there was once a time when the highest attainment in art was the accurate depiction of the subject. This was of course in a time before the invention of photography, when such depictions could only come abut at the hands of a skilled artist. When kings and queens, lords and ladies and the wealthy gentry themselves needed something that would stand the test of time, nothing but a hand painted portrait could do.
Among the painters who mastered the art of the exact portrait, bringing with it not only a depiction of the subject but incorporating their life, history and personality, nobody stands above the Dutch master painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn.
Born in Leiden in the Dutch republic in 1606, Rembrandt showed an early affinity for painting, and choose to develop his skill further. He had early success as a painter and despite financial hardships in later years, Rembrandt continued to be a popular painter in his day. He also took on a number of apprentices and through them was tremendously influential for not just his own generation of artists but also the coming ones. His understanding of the psychology of human beings led to a never before seen depth to the portraits and situations painted by Rembrandt. He also managed to blend the human and the spiritual seamlessly in his art, with a skill not seen before in western art. His favorite subjects were the portrait, the landscape and the story. In his own words, he sought "the greatest and most natural movement" which helped enliven even his still portraits.
To this day, there are still ongoing discussions about the works of Rembrandt, particularly which ones he himself actually painted and which ones were done by apprentices. As such, the number of paintings attributed to Rembrandt ranges between 300 and 600. However, one painting that is not only a true Rembrandt but also his largest painting is The Night Watch. Originally titled "The Militia Company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq", the painting was given its more famous title by Sir Joshua Reynolds when he discovered it. The reason for the title was the darkness into which the figures in the painting were stepping. However, as it turned out, this was due to the painting being coated with a dark varnish. In fact, "The Militia Company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq" shows the militia preparing for a mission. In the painting they are in fact stepping into the sun. Rembrandt used the sun and shade to highlight the importance of the three central figures in the painting.
As such, the famous Night Watch depicts not a night watch but a day time patrol preparing to set out. This notwithstanding, The Night Watch is considered the most famous master piece of Rembrandt. It can today be found at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Holland, where it is the most famous painting on display.
The Night Watch not only presents a dedicated and exact portrait of the subject. It also brings movement into what would traditionally be a still military portrait. This second fact adds to its appeal, and also makes that appeal equally relevant today. There should still be a place for this level of exact depiction, and there is. Photography or not, any portrait executed with such skill will still look amazing on the wall.
Metropolitan Art in Motion: A Cultural Odyssey
The allure of metropolitan areas for art aficionados often lies in the rich tapestry of cultural offerings, particularly the museums that house the world's artistic treasures. These urban centers boast an array of prestigious institutions, each with its own unique collections that beckon visitors from around the globe. From the Tate in London to the Louvre in Paris, the art world's grandeur is on full display. Yet, for those who seek an unparalleled museum experience, New York City stands as a cultural colossus, with the Metropolitan Museum of Art reigning supreme.
Thomas Cole and Titans Goblet
American painter Thomas Cole is best known for his detailed depictions of the American countryside, depicted in accordance with the tenets of Romanticism and Naturalism. As a founder of the Hudson River School, Cole was instrumental in this development and depiction of the American landscape. However, not all landscapes depicted by Cole were based on actual existing locations.
The Vagabond Prince
In the early 20th century, Paris was the center of the Avant-Garde art scene. Here, masters like Picasso and Matisse were practicing their crafts at the leading edge of artistic developments.
