REMBRANDT BIOGRAPHICAL TIMELINE

1606 1613-1620 1620-1626 1626-1630 1630-1634 1634-1638 1638-1642 1646-1652 1652-1656 1656-1660 1660-1664 1664-1669 *

1606 Rembrandt van Rijn is born on July 15, 1606 in Leiden, the Netherlands. Although no official record of birth or baptism for Rembrandt has ever been found, this date is generally accepted. He is the eighth of nine children born to Neeltgen (Cornelia) Willemsdochter van Zuytbrouck and her husband, Harmen Gerritszoon van Rijn. His mother was the daughter of a baker and his father owned a mill. Because his father's name was Harmen, he is called Rembrandt Harmenszoon or son of Harmens. The family name is van Rijn, which means "from the Rhine" because the Rhine River was only a few steps from the house where Rembrandt was born. Unlike many painters of his time, there was no history of artists; his father was a miller. Historical, Literary, Musical, Political, Religious, Scientific, And Technological Events: 1567-1643 Claudio Monteverdi, Italian Composer 1572-1631 John Donne, English Poet 1596-1650 Rene Descartes, French Philosopher 1605 Cevantes Spanish Writer of Don Quixote, born 1606-1694 Pierre Corneille, French Playwright 1609 Galileo, Italian Astronmer invents the telescope, Johannes Kepler, German Astronomer, publishes his first two laws of Planetary Motion 1611 King James Bible printed Top

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1613-1620 Rembrandt attends the Latin School to prepare from admission into Leiden University. This is the only formal education he receives. When Rembrandt attends the Latin School, he studied subjects including the Bible, calligraphy and classical studies. He may have even taken drawing lessons. On May 20, 1620, Rembrandt is enrolled at the University of Leiden but his plans change allowing him to embark on a career in art. Historical, Literary, Musical, Political, Religious, Scientific, And Technological Events: 1613 Romanov Dynasty in Russia 1618 Thirty Years War Begins 1619 Kepler publishes his Third Law of Planetary Motion Top

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1620-1626 Rembrandt begins three years of study with the Leiden-based but Italian-trained painter Jacob Isaacsz. van Swanenburg. He probably assists the artist in such studio apprentice tasks as preparing canvases and grinding pigments and learns the fundamentals of techniques like etching. He is also trained by Pieter Lastman in Amsterdam. It is widely thought that Rembrandt's technique in history and Biblical painting stemmed directly his study with Lastman, an artist he greatly admired. Works: The Music Party, The Baptism of the Eunuch, Musical Allegory, Balaam and the Ass Historical, Literary, Musical, Political, Religious, Scientific, And Technological Events: 1620 Plymouth Colony Founded 1621-1673 Jean Baptiste de Poquelin Moliere, French Dramatist 1623-1662 Blaise Pascal, French Philosopher And Scientist Top

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1626- 1630 Rembrandt settles back in his hometown of Leiden. He shares a studio with another young painter, Jan Lievens. He also begins to develop skilled etching techniques. His fame begins to grow and, eventually, he comes to the attention of Constantijn Huygens (1596- 1687), secretary to the stadtholder (or governor) Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange, who visits the studio. Frederik Hendrik was an admirer of great art and architecture and sent Huygens on a mission to furnish a new palace he had built for himself. When Huygens sees Rembrandt's painting, The Repentant Judas, he knows he has found an extraordinary young artist. In his journal he simply writes "Bravo, Rembrandt." This is the beginning of increased visibility for Rembrandt. On February 14, 1628, fourteen-year-old Gerrit Dou becomes Rembrandt's first pupil. Works: Nicolaes Ruts, Samson and Delilah, The Artist in his Studio, Supper at Emmaus, Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem, The Raising of Lazarus Historical, Literary, Musical, Political, Religious, Scientific, And Technological Events: 1628 William Harvey, English Medical Scientist, publishes work on the circulation of blood Top

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1630-1634 Rembrandt moves to Amsterdam and begins making a name for himself as a skillful portrait artist. He meets Hendrick Uylenburgh who is an art dealer in Amsterdam and becomes a member of the Amsterdam St. Luke's Guild in 1634. Also, in June of 1634, he marries Uylenburgh's niece, Saskia. It is thought that she brings a substantial dowry to the marriage as well as access to prominent art dealers in Amsterdam. He takes on some more pupils including Ferdinand Bol and Goevert Flinck. It may be during this time that he decides to call himself by one name, perhaps in imitation of the Italian masters Raphael, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Caravaggio, and Titian. The artist, however, who appears to have had a significant influence on him has two names, Peter Rubens. Works: Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp, Man in Oriental Costume, Portrait of Saskia, Joseph Telling his Dreams, Storm on the Sea of Galilee, The Descent from the Cross, Simeon Praising Christ, Actor Standing, Bellona, Last Supper after da Vinci Historical, Literary, Musical, Political, Religious, Scientific, And Technological Events: 1632-1677 Baruch Spinoza, Dutch Philosopher 1632-1687 Jean-Baptiste Lully, French Composer Top

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1634-1638 Rembrandt begins to paint notable large size history works. Rembrandt and Saskia's first child, Rumbartus, is born but he lives only two months. Rembrandt begins a lifelong habit of buying old prints, drawings, albums, curios, and other art objects for his studio. In 1638, a daughter, Cornelia, is born but she lives only three weeks. Works: Belshazzar's Feast, Susanna and the Elders, Flora, The Blinding of Samson, Study of an Elephant, Saskia in Arcadian Costume, Portrait of Johannes Ellison, Sacrifice of Isaac Historical, Literary, Musical, Political, Religious, Scientific, And Technological Events: 1634--1704 Marc Antoine Charpentier, French Composer 1636 Harvard College Founded 1637-1707 Dietrich Buxtenhude, German Composer Top

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1638-1642 Rembrandt purchases a new house on the Breestraat in Amsterdam. On July 19, 1640, a second daughter named Cornelia is born but she too dies shortly after birth. Rembrandt's mother dies one month later. On September 22, 1641, a son, Titus, is baptized. Their fourth child, he is the only one who will reach adulthood. However, in June, 1642, sadness enters Rembrandt's life again with the death of his wife, Saskia. After her death, a widow named Geertje Dircx becomes Titus' nurse. It is thought that she and Rembrandt embarked on a relationship. Stylistically, Rembrandt appears to develop in a more classical style with increased frontal lighting and larger areas of color in his works. As always, he continues to excel in the technique of chiaroscuro. His studio also continues to be filled with pupils. Works: The Night Watch, Landscape with Stone Bridge, Cottages before a Stormy Sky, View across the Amstel, Self-Portrait at Age 34 Historical, Literary, Musical, Political, Religious, Scientific, And Technological Events: 1639 Japan Begins Isolation Against All Europeans Except the Dutch Top

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1642-1646 Rembrandt continues his school and teaches an increasing number of young painters. Among his better-known pupils are Samuel van Hoogstraten and Karel Fabritius. While his paintings, drawings, and etchings continue to appear in inventories across the Netherlands, his output of self-portraits slows. Works: Departing of David and Jonathan, The Three Trees, Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery, The Holy Family Top

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1646-1652 Rembrandt experiences another crisis. Geertje Dircx, the woman who was employed as a nanny for Titus, takes Rembrandt to court on the accusation of an unfulfilled promise of marriage. She is sentenced to several years in prison at Gouda, a town west of Amsterdam, but eventually is freed. Rembrandt and her family may have been instrumental in arranging the sentence. At the same time, a young woman named Hendrickje Stoffels (1625- 1663) begins work as Rembrandt's housekeeper. She becomes the second great love of his life. Works: The Mill, Landscape with a Rider, Supper at Emmaus, Goldweigher's Field, Adoration of the Shepherds, Hundred Guilder Print Historical, Literary, Musical, Political, Religious, Scientific, And Technological Events: 1649 Charles I Beheaded 1652 Thomas Hobbs publishes Leviathan Top

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1652-1656 Rembrandt's output in self-portraits begins anew. While some may take this to indicate a more introspective Rembrandt, basically, the decision might have more to do with the market demand for self-portraits by important artists. It is during this period that Rembrandt's debts begin to mount largely due to years of poor financial discipline, resulting in his application for a cessio bonorum or a voluntary surrender of effects to creditors. On May 17, 1656, the title of Rembrandt's house is transferred to Titus' name. In addition, his large collection of prints begins to be auctioned off. It is during this period that Hendrickje is summoned to appear before a church council to explain her relationship with Rembrandt. This is shortly before the birth of their daughter named Cornelia,baptized on October 30,1654. She is the third daughter named after Rembrandt's mother. Works: Portrait of Jan Six, Bathsheba, Titus at his Desk, The Polish Rider, Portrait of an Old Man in Red, Aristotle with the Bust of Homer, The Three Crosses, The Standard Bearer Historical, Literary, Musical, Political, Religious, Scientific, And Technological Events: 1653-1706 Johann Pachelbel, German Composer Top

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1656-1660 Rembrandt's financial situation continues to be precarious. Sales of his personal art collection proceed although he still finds a need to borrow money. He moves into the Roozengracht where he begins to lead an increasingly reclusive life. During this time, he continues to take on pupils and painting commissions. Works: Portrait of Hendrickje Stoffels, Portrait of the Artist at his Easel (1660), Shah Jahan and his Son, An Elderly Man as St. Paul Top

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1660-1664 Rembrandt's life continues its painful trajectory. In order to satisfy credit agreements, Rembrandt must work in the service of his son Titus and Hendrickje. He continues to receive commissions during this time as well a teach students. In his most mature period, a highly classical style continued to evolve influenced, in large part, by Renaissance art. However, in 1663, tragedy returns with the death of Hendrickje. She is buried in a rented grave in Amsterdam's Westerkerk. Works: Syndics of the Amsterdam Drapers' Guild, Self-Portrait (1660), Woman with a Pink, The Conspiracy of the Batavians under Claudius Civilis,, Titus as St. Francis, St. Bartholomew, Self-Portrait as St. Paul Top

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1664-1669 Rembrandt's final years are an emotional mix. He is celebrated as a painter of renown and continues to see Titus and Cornelia, his daughter with Hendrickje, grow. He also sees his son, now his legal agent, married to Magdalena van Loo. However, this happiness, as is typical in Rembrandt's life, is short-lived. On September 7, 1668, just before his twenty- seventh birthday, Titus dies, probably of the plague. He, too, is buried in the Westerkerk. Several months after Titus' death, his daughter, Titia, is born. Rembrandt is both grandparent and godparent to her. On October 4, 1669, Rembrandt dies and is buried in an anonymous grave in the Westerkerk on October 8th. Works: The Return of the Prodigal Son, The Jewish Bride, Lucretia (1664), Lucretia (1666), Self-Portrait (1669) Historical, Literary, Musical, Political, Religious, Scientific, And Technological Events:: 1666 Great Fire of London 1667 John Milton, Paradise Lost 1668 Quakers Founded 1669 Rembrandt dies Top

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