When and how was Rembrandt commisioned and by who?
Rembrandt lived in the 17th century and was one of the foremost European portrait painters. He is nothing like Van Gogh who was an impressionist in the 19th century and extremely stylized rather than a realist – although both characteristically produced self-portraits. Rembrandt was more a master olf light an shade if you wanted to compare with VG – who was startling in his use of colour and texture. Rembrandt was championed by the Dutch court and Prince Frederik Hendrik bought many of his pictures and very popular. Many works were carried out speculatively – ie self-portraits where there was no patron and biblical studies.
