The Rembrandt House Museum is located in the actual home of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, who resided there for almost twenty years in the seventeenth century. Arguably among the most gifted artists in the world, Rembrandt is remembered for his etchings, engravings, and paintings of portraits and landscapes.
The museum
Located in the center of Amsterdam, this museum is a great setting for one of the world’s largest collections of Rembrandt’s art, from ancient to contemporary. Paying a visit to the very house in which he lived and worked in for many years gives any visitor a feeling of connection to the remarkable artist. It is as if the great painter has just finished creating a masterpiece, leaving you there to roam about on your own among his personal things. Nothing beats standing face to face and viewing the real thing in the very spot it was created.
Although leafing through numerous illustrations in art books and images on the Internet are superb for study purposes, and indispensable in order to learn how to compare and distinguish, classify and understand, it is standing in front of an actual Rembrandt that is the most memorable experience for any fan of the work.
The feel
One of the memorable exhibits in the museum is a series of the original etchings, located on the top floor of the house. What sets Rembrandt apart from other artists is how fine or bold his results are in the etching and engraving lines. With this experience, you will learn how to see and appreciate how he employed these lines in his works in order to get the ‘Most natural movement.’
The Rembrandt House Museum is also a venue for exhibitions of paintings and etchings by contemporary artists who have been inspired by Rembrandt’s work. A visit here will definitely hone your own way of seeing and appreciating art.
Tip: When you are at the entrance, ask them if there are any workshops that day. They offer the chance throughout the year to participate and learn how to create your own etch!
