Rembrandts Painting An Old Man in Military Costume Essay example -- P

Rembrandts Painting An gray Man in Military rig out With an extraordinary intensity, Rembrandt van Rijns An Old Man in Military Costume is an example of the artists use of dynamic lighting. The painting, on expose at the Getty Museum, contains a single figure, an old man dressed in a military uniform. While one may appreciate the beauty of the work, to fully experience the passion and genius of the artist, it is necessary to see the painting in per discussion. The delicate details that may be missed by a digital image are easily caught by the human eye. The proper way to view a Rembrandt is in the flesh the difference is amazing. Born in Leiden, Netherlands, Rembrandt was the son of a miller and a bakers daughter. Unsatisfied with life at the University of Leiden, Rembrandt left school to pursue painting. He studied under Pieter Lastman who introduced the unfledged painter to the works of Italian masters, particularly Caravaggio. Even though Rem brandt never traveled to Italy, his works bear the stamp of Italian influence, especially in his choice for dramatic lighting over Dutch smoothness. Moving to Amsterdam in 1631, Rembrandt began working for commission and became very successful. He painted An Old Man in Military Costume in 1631, during a time when his work was characterized by strong lighting effects. Neither a religious work nor a fit out portrait, this work is more than likely one that Rembrandt painted for himself. An unusual painting, An Old Man in Military Costume is a solitary figure against a blank background. The figure, an old man, is dressed in a somber military outfit a simple costume without any frills or finery. The only laurel wreath is a... ... I was also impressed with the thought that Rembrandt touched the same canvas that I was viewing almost four hundred years ago. The painting serves as a direct link into the past a past that is remarkable for all it accomplished. A wonderful artistic example of light contrasting with dark, Old Man in a Military Costume is a remembrance of how c lagly connected we are with the past. When artists or historical figures are merely memorized names, they lose some of their impact experiencing part of their lives reminds viewers of their humanity. Rembrandts painting has many visual layers while containing political and historical significance as well.Work CitedElizabeth I. To the side Troops at Tilbury, Facing the Spanish Armada. The Longman Anthology of British Literature. Vol 1B. Ed. David Damrosch. New York Longman, 2003.