Rembrandt's Academy: Old Master Paintings from Private Dutch Collections

Rembrandt van Rijn founded the most influential Academy that ever existed in the Dutch Republic (1581-1795), training dozens of painters to work in the “Rembrandtesque” manner. His characteristic style became famous throughout the whole of Europe. Rembrandt’s artistic personality was breath-taking, and it is not possible to imagine Dutch art without him.

After his move to Amsterdam, Rembrandt quickly became a leading painter of the day and attracted students from all over, everyone bewildered by his brilliance. Rembrandt formed his Academy wishing to use the help of his students to produce the large output of paintings and etchings required to make his name in the world.

Many of his students seem to have been so advanced that they were working as paid “mate” in the studio and actively collaborated on Rembrandt’s commissions, painting backgrounds, drapery and costumes. Rembrandt was also entitled to sell the paintings they produced in the Academy in the master’s signature style. Inexperienced pupils however, had to pay the annual tuition fee and spend their time drawing, grinding pigments and preparing panels and canvas.

This exhibition features the artworks of some of Rembrandt's students.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website