Rembrandt 400 Leiden

Leiden development

Leiden was in full bloom in Rembrandt's early years. The economy flourished as never before and a large degree of religious tolerance ruled. All kinds of people moved to Leiden. The city took on a multicultural character. In the first quarter of the 17th century Leiden developed into a crossroads for learned scholars. Leiden was then a bustling, international city with no fewer than 24,000 inhabitants.

Rembrandt goes to school

Rembrandt's parents sent him to the Latin School at 16 Lokhorststraat when he was ten years old. The school built by architect Lievens de Key still stands there. All the lessons were taught in Latin. Everyone spoke Latin to each other and the pupils took their examinations in the classic language. When he was fifteen Rembrandt registered with the University, but little came of his studies there. By registering he was exempted from service in the town guard and could enjoy tax-free beer and wine.

Rembrandt the apprentice

After his school years Rembrandt was apprenticed to the Leiden painter, Jacob Isaacszoon van Swanenburgh (1572-1638). Following that he spent six months working in the studio of Pieter Lastman (1583-1633) in Amsterdam. At the start of 1624, Rembrandt set up in Leiden as an independent artist. As a self-employed entrepreneur he saw that Leiden offered him the best prospects.

'The real work'

As an apprentice in Van Swanenburgh's studio, Rembrandt studied the use of various materials and techniques. He perfected his knowledge of the preparations that a painter has to undertake before he can start painting. First he mastered the art of drawing by copying the models and examples of other masters in pen, ink and chalk. Only then was Rembrandt ready for 'the real work': painting in oils.

The art scene in Leiden

There were many artists working in Leiden at the start of the 17th century, but the art scene was not that remarkable. Only one of the painters is still well known. Joris van Schooten (1587-1651) was a major Leiden portrait painter. Jan Davidszoon de Heem (1606-1683) painted still lives. The best-known landscape artist was Jan van Goyen (1596-1656). Rembrandt's master, Van Swanenburgh, devoted himself to the 'elevated' genre: the historical painting. These paintings represent mythological or Bible stories or subjects from classical or Dutch history.

Constantijn Huygens

Rembrandt's talent is all the more striking when seen against this background. But as far as his peers were concerned, Rembrandt and his contemporary, friend and painter, Jan Lievens, were just beginners. Constantijn Huygens was secretary to successive Dutch rulers, Frederik Hendrik, William II and William III. When Huygens visited Rembrandt and Lievens in the winter of 1628, he immediately recognised their talent. At that time Huygens was secretary to Frederik Hendrik and thanks to his enthusiastic accounts, Lievens and Rembrandt received their first commissions at the Court.

Rembrandt makes a career

Rembrandt's career started to take off. In Leiden he took on two apprentices, including the famed Gerard Dou and Isaack de Jouderville. Rembrandt mastered the art of etching, a skill in which he became renowned. Until 1633 Rembrandt signed his etchings with 'RHL', which stands for 'Rembrandus Hermanni Leidensis'. In 1631 Rembrandt felt it was time to move elsewhere. He left his years as a student in Leiden behind him and set himself up as a young master in Amsterdam. Leiden said farewell to an evolving great master.