The Rembrandt Book

by Gary D. Schwartz

With international attention focused on the 400th anniversary of Rembrandt von Rijn's birth, the world's leading Rembrandt expert weighs in with a penetrating -- and accessible -- examination of the Dutch master's life and art from both the biographical and the art historical perspective.
Rembrandt was an esteemed artist in his own time as well as in the present, yet there is much debate over how many paintings and drawings can really be attributed to him, and popular scholastic opinion varies widely. In his lively text, accompanied by 700 full-color illustrations, Gary Schwartz addresses the central controversies, providing art historians, students, and art lovers with essential new insights to help clarify the mysteries surrounding the great painter.

Genres: Art, Art History

384 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covered more of the circumstances surrounding Rembrandt's art - rather than the art itself. Not what I was personally looking for, but I did learn quite a bit about the world of the Netherlands during Rembrandt's time and the circumstances in his life and friendships that contributed to his choices in his art. This is not the book if you're looking for personal insight into his work.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many coffee table books on painting, drawing and sculpture by the great masters. The Rembrandt Book is one of the very best. The quality of the images is excellent, but even better is Gary Schwartz’ text and insights into Rembrandt, well reasoned and referenced. The intro plus eight sections encompass the many dimensions of Rembrandt’s life, family, craft, finances, patrons, landscapes, portraits and religious subjects. Schwartz summarizes Rembrandt as becoming all things to all people, dedicated deeply to religion in art, yet loved and still loved by all. A great book in which to immerse oneself.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. I picked it up at the local library and have been pouring over it at length. It's gives a comprehensive overview of the life and work, in a way that makes it very clear. I love his drawings so much. Are you a fan of Robert Crumb? There's more than a little Rembrandt in his style. Rembrandt can also be seen as the visual equivalent of William Shakespeare.

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not read all of this book, but I did use it for a project on Rembrandt, and it is very useful and comprehensive. It familiarizes me with Rembrandt's style, technique and subject matter, to the poit where I can easily distinguish between his works and the works of other artists of the period. Also, the background information of the paintings was very useful.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew, big book, but probably the best one out there on Rembrandt, his life, his themes, his methods, and hundreds of color illustrations.