The Artist Drawing from a Model, unfinished plate, c. 1639
Rembrandt van Rijnexpand_more
Etchingexpand_more
The William M. Ladd Collection Gift of Herschel V. Jones, 1916expand_more P.1,302
Not on Viewexpand_more
The Artist Drawing is clearly more an allegory of art than documentation of a specific studio. The combination of minutely finished sections with manifestly unfinished parts may allude to the comparison between the two greatest painters of Greek antiquity, Apelles and Protogenes. The latter was known for the fine detail of his paintings, and the former for the speed and freedom of his work. The most highly valued paintings by Apelles were those left unfinished, for in them one could see his working process. Here, Rembrandt laid claim to being the inheritor of both traditions. Moreover, by leaving the model so thoroughly unfinished, he reminded us of his ability to draw from his imagination.
Details
- Title
- The Artist Drawing from a Model, unfinished plate
- Artist Life
- 1606 - 1669
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.1,302
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Hind 231 ii/ii; B.192; Mz.339 ii/ii; Holl. 192 ii/ii; B-B. 47-2 ii/ii
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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