Rembrandt

Rembrandt van Rijn was a Dutch artist from the 1600s. He was born in Leiden, Netherlands, in 1606. He was a master of light and shadow in his paintings. He painted portraits, scenes from the Bible, and many self-portraits.

Early Life

Rembrandt was the son of a miller. He showed talent for art at a young age. He studied with local painters in Leiden. He moved to Amsterdam, where he became the most famous painter in the Netherlands.

Big Achievements

Rembrandt painted the famous Night Watch, one of the most well-known paintings in Dutch art. He created about 90 self-portraits over his lifetime. He was a master at using light and shadow to create drama. His work influenced artists for centuries.

Fun Facts

• Rembrandt painted about 90 self-portraits, more than almost any other artist.
• He went bankrupt and had to sell his house and art collection.
• His painting The Night Watch is so big it covers an entire wall in a museum.

Did You Know?

Rembrandt's painting The Night Watch was originally even bigger. It was cut down to fit on a wall when it was moved. The missing pieces have never been found.