Rembrandt

Rembrandt. (1669). Self Portrait at age 63. oil on canvas.
Available from: http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/rembrandt

I really like the emphasis that Rembrandt makes on light and shadow in his work. This is what immediately drew me into his work, as I feel from a make up point of view, this would be effective when recreating a portrait. "The influence of Caravaggio is evident from Rembrandt's from the 1630s. He developed a new way of describing faces with patterns of light and shadow." (National Gallery).

I also like the use of texture within his work. His use of impasto texture - the technique of applying paint thickly - emphasises areas of light such as the face. In his later years, he would often apply paint with a palette knife. In his earlier years, his work was far smoother.

Rembrandt. The Jewish Bride. (1662). Oil on canvas. Available from: http://hoocher.com/Rembrandt/rembrandt_harmensz_van_rign.htm

This painting 'The Jewish Bride' is a classic example of Rembrandt's impasto style. The glowing golden sleeve of the man in this painting is thick with texture.

Rembrandt. (1655). A Franciscan Friar. oil on canvas.
Available from: http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/rembrandt

Rembrandt keeps his backgrounds dark and simple. This is useful for creating my living portrait, as it allows me to focus on my model rather than worrying about creating a complex background to match the portrait.

Similarly, the outfits in many of Rembrandts pieces are relatively simple.

If I was to do this I would look into creating the following:

Postiche pieces:
- Moustache

- Goatee

-Deconstructed Wig

Prosthetic pieces:

- Eye bags

- Cheek pieces
- Nose

As texture is such a crucal part of Rembrandt's work, I feel it is essential that I incorporate this into my work.

I would like to try and create my sculptures with the texture within it.

I could also experiment with aplying make up with an implement in a similar way to how Rembrandt would have sometimes used a palette knife.

Available from: http://arthistoryuk.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/rembrandt-self-portrait.jpg

Portrait of a Bearded Man in a Wide Brimmed Hat, Rembrandt. (1633). Available from: http://www.wikiart.org/en/search/rembrandt%20brimmed%20hat/1#supersized-search-220297

If I was to recreate this portrait I would look into creating the following:

Prosthetics:

- Eye bags
- Nose bump

Postiche:

- Eyebrows
- Moustache

- Beard

This painting has very yellow/ olive undertones which would be important to recreate on my model.

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn as born in 1606 in the Netherlands and died in 1669. Rembrandt's artistic career was very successful however his personal life contrasted this and was marked with tragedy. Three of his four children died in early infancy and in 1641, his wife Saskia also died.

These tragedies only seemed to strengthen Rembrandt's paintings. His ability to render emotions and expresson into his paintings are what makes them so appealing.