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Article: Rembrandt's religious paintings gathered in D.C. exhibition.
- Article from:
- Knight Ridder/Tribune
- Article date:
- February 11, 2005
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Knight Ridder/Tribune. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Chuck Myers
WASHINGTON _ A new exhibit of religious paintings by celebrated 17th century Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) here at the National Gallery of Art begs a simple, yet inviting question: What was he thinking?
Late in his life, Rembrandt embarked on a body of paintings devoted to Biblical figures and saints. While exquisitely rendered and psychologically powerful, Rembrandt's late religious works pose a dilemma. Beyond the subject matter, the artist's intent behind these particular paintings remains largely a mystery.
Were they commissioned by patrons, or purely the product of Rembrandt's creative drive? Did he ...