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      Rembrandt, 1606 – 1669

      Rembrandt: The 100 Best-Known Paintings

      Of all Rembrandt's paintings, Night Watch (1642) is the most famous; it hangs in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Close behind come Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee (1633) and The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp (1632). Among the 1,554 works by Rembrandt in our catalogue, these 100 are the most celebrated, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.

      Ranked by our popularity score, which combines the searches, visits and orders for each work. Updated October 2026. Each painting on this page can be ordered as an oil reproduction painted by hand on linen canvas, or as a fine art print, made to the size you choose.

      Portrait of Rembrandt
      Rembrandt · 1606 – 1669
      Born · died
      1606 – 1669, Leiden
      Movement
      Baroque
      Works in our catalogue
      1,554
      Most famous
      Night Watch (1642)
      Most works at
      National Gallery

      Rembrandt's 10 most celebrated paintings

      Night Watch (1642) by Rembrandt
      1

      Night Watch

      1642 · Oil On Canvas · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

      Step closer and observe the sheer energy contained within this frame. What we see here is not a static group portrait, but a scene caught in mid-motion. Captain Frans Banninck Cocq and Lieutenant van Ruytenburch appear to be stepping forward, leading their company into action. There is an organized chaos at work; the Kloveniers civic militia are not preparing for a grim battle, but rather assembling for what feels like…

      Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee (1633) by Rembrandt
      2

      Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee

      1633 · Oil On Canvas · Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston

      A Tempestuous Vision: Rembrandt’s ‘Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee’ Subject and Narrative: This monumental oil painting plunges viewers directly into one of the most dramatic episodes from the Gospels – Christ calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Depicted with breathtaking intensity, we witness the disciples battling a ferocious tempest in a small fishing boat, tossed violently by mountainous waves. Amidst their fear and desperation,…

      The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp (1632) by Rembrandt
      3

      The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp

      1632 · Oil On Canvas · Mauritshuis, The Hague

      In the heart of the Dutch Golden Age, a young Rembrandt van Rijn captured a moment that would forever define the power of Baroque storytelling. The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp is not merely a portrait of a medical procedure; it is a profound theatrical performance rendered in oil on canvas. As the eye enters the dimly lit lecture room, one is immediately struck by the visceral tension held…

      The return of the prodigal son (1662) by Rembrandt
      4

      The return of the prodigal son

      1662 · Acrylic On Canvas · Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg

      Rembrandt van Rijn’s The return of the Prodigal Son ca eremitaget, dated 1662, stands as a monumental achievement in Baroque art—a poignant meditation on repentance, forgiveness, and familial reconciliation. More than just a depiction of biblical narrative, it’s a masterful exploration of human emotion captured with Rembrandt's signature use of light and shadow, cementing its place among the most celebrated paintings of his era.

      Danae by Rembrandt
      5

      Danae

      Oil On Canvas · Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg

      Rembrandt van Rijn’s Danaë stands as an unparalleled testament to Baroque artistry, capturing not merely a mythological narrative but also the profound psychological depth characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age. Completed in 1636, this monumental canvas—measuring eight by ten feet—immediately draws the eye with its dramatic chiaroscuro, Rembrandt's signature technique that masterfully manipulates light and shadow to convey emotion and create an atmosphere of palpable tension.

      The jewish bride by Rembrandt
      6

      The jewish bride

      Oil On Canvas

      "The Jewish Bride" is a masterpiece that captures the profound emotional connection between two figures in an intimate embrace. This painting exudes warmth and tenderness, making it a captivating addition to any art collection or interior space. The central focus is on the couple's interaction, with the man's protective arm around the woman and her hand gently resting on his chest. Their expressions and body language convey a deep sense…

      The Feast of Belshazzar (1635) by Rembrandt
      7

      The Feast of Belshazzar

      1635 · Oil On Canvas · National Gallery, London

      The Feast of Belshazzar by Rembrandt van Rijn is a masterful example of Dutch Golden Age artistry, capturing the dramatic tension and rich symbolism of a biblical narrative. This monumental painting exemplifies Rembrandt's mastery of Baroque style, characterized by its dynamic composition, intense emotional depth, and meticulous attention to detail.

      Sampling Officials of the Guild of the Drapers (1662) by Rembrandt
      8

      Sampling Officials of the Guild of the Drapers

      1662 · Acrylic

      Sampling Officials of the Guild of the Drapers: A Window Into Dutch Renaissance Portraiture Rembrandt van Rijn’s “Sampling Officials of the Guild of the Drapers,” painted in 1662, stands as a cornerstone of Dutch Renaissance portraiture—a testament to his unparalleled ability to distill human emotion and psychological complexity onto canvas. Currently residing within the Rijksmuseum's hallowed halls in Amsterdam, this monumental oil on canvas (192 x 279 cm) transcends mere…

      Bathsheba at Her Bath by Rembrandt
      9

      Bathsheba at Her Bath

      Oil On Canvas

      A Moment of Contemplation: Unveiling Rembrandt’s *Bathsheba at Her Bath* Rembrandt van Rijn, a titan of the Dutch Golden Age, masterfully blends biblical narrative and profound human emotion in his 1654 painting, *Bathsheba at Her Bath*. This work is not merely a depiction of a scene from the Old Testament; it’s an intimate exploration of vulnerability, temptation, and the weight of moral consequence. The Narrative & Historical Context The painting…

      Aristotle Contemplating a Bust of Homer by Rembrandt
      10

      Aristotle Contemplating a Bust of Homer

      Oil On Canvas · Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

      A Meeting of Minds: Rembrandt’s ‘Aristotle Contemplating a Bust of Homer’ Rembrandt van Rijn's 1653 masterpiece, *Aristotle Contemplating a Bust of Homer*, is far more than a portrait; it’s a profound meditation on art, intellect, and the enduring power of legacy. Commissioned by Don Antonio Ruffo of Messina, Sicily, this oil-on-canvas now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, captivating viewers with its dramatic lighting and complex symbolism. Subject &…

      Rembrandt paintings ranked 11 to 100

      The flayed ox by Rembrandt
      #12

      The flayed ox

      A Stark Vision of Mortality: Exploring Rembrandt’s *The Flayed Ox* Rembrandt van Rijn's *The Flayed Ox*, painted in 1655, is a profoundly unsettling and remarkably realistic depiction of…

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      The Abduction of Europa by Rembrandt
      #13

      The Abduction of Europa

      J. Paul Getty Museum

      A Divine Encounter in Chiaroscuro In the annals of the Dutch Golden Age, few moments capture the raw, theatrical tension of myth as masterfully as Rembrandt van Rijn’s…

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      Meditation by Rembrandt
      #17

      Meditation

      Louvre Abu Dhabi

      Meditation: A Window into Rembrandt’s Soul Rembrandt van Rijn's "Meditation" transcends mere visual representation; it embodies the very essence of Baroque introspection and offers a glimpse into the…

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      The Blinding of Samson (1636) by Rembrandt
      #18

      The Blinding of Samson

      1636 · Städel Museum

      Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn's "The Blinding of Samson," painted in 1636, isn’t merely a depiction of a biblical episode; it’s a visceral exploration of betrayal, vulnerability, and the…

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      The Stoning of St. Stephen (1625) by Rembrandt
      #19

      The Stoning of St. Stephen

      1625 · Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon

      The Stoning of Saint Stephen Rembrandt van Rijn’s “The Stoning of Saint Stephen” stands as an arresting emblem of Baroque drama—a painting that transcends mere depiction, immersing the…

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      The Sacrifice of Isaac, Eremitag (1635) by Rembrandt
      #20

      The Sacrifice of Isaac, Eremitag

      1635 · Hermitage Museum

      The Profound Drama of Abraham’s Sacrifice: Rembrandt's Eremitag Masterpiece Rembrandt van Rijn’s “The Sacrifice of Isaac,” housed within the venerable halls of The State Hermitage Museum in St.…

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      Pallas Athena (1655) by Rembrandt
      #21

      Pallas Athena

      1655 · Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

      Pallas Athena is an oil-on-canvas work by Rembrandt, dated to c. 1657. The subject is widely understood to be the Greek goddess Pallas Athena, though the identity of…

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      Balaam's Ass (1626) by Rembrandt
      #22

      Balaam's Ass

      1626 · Musée Cognacq-Jay

      Rembrandt Peale's 1626 painting, "Balaam and His Ass," isn’t merely a depiction of a biblical narrative; it’s a profound exploration of divine judgment, human folly, and the unsettling…

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      The Polish Rider (1655) by Rembrandt
      #23

      The Polish Rider

      1655 · The Frick Collection

      The Enigma of the Solitary Traveler In the dim, amber-hued atmosphere of the seventeenth century, few images command a room with as much quiet intensity as Rembrandt van…

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      Flora (1634) by Rembrandt
      #24

      Flora

      1634 · Hermitage Museum

      A Portrait Steeped in Springtime Reverie: Rembrandt’s Flora Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn's "Flora," painted in 1634, stands as a testament to the artist’s masterful blend of pastoral beauty…

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      Andromeda (1630) by Rembrandt
      #26

      Andromeda

      1630 · Mauritshuis

      The Humanity Within the Myth In this evocative work from 1630, Rembrandt van Rijn transcends the epic scale of Greek legend to focus on a singular, piercing emotion.…

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      Artemisia (1634) by Rembrandt
      #28

      Artemisia

      1634 · Museo del Prado

      In the quiet depths of Rembrandt Peale’s 1860 masterpiece, “Artemisia,” one finds much more than a mere depiction of a woman; one encounters a profound meditation on dignity…

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      Philosopher in Meditation (1632) by Rembrandt
      #32

      Philosopher in Meditation

      1632 · The Louvre

      A Moment of Profound Contemplation: Unveiling Rembrandt’s “Philosopher in Meditation” Rembrandt van Rijn's 1632 masterpiece, currently residing in the Musée du Louvre, Paris, is a captivating study in…

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      Belshazzar's feast by Rembrandt
      #33

      Belshazzar's feast

      National Gallery

      A Dramatic Revelation: Rembrandt’s Belshazzar's Feast Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, a titan of the Dutch Golden Age, didn’t merely paint; he wrestled with light and shadow to distill…

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      Le Retour De L Enfant Prodigue (1660) by Rembrandt
      #34

      Le Retour De L Enfant Prodigue

      1660 · Hermitage Museum

      Rembrandt van Rijn’s Le Retour De L Enfant Prodigue, st Petersbourg stands as an unparalleled achievement of Dutch Golden Age art—a painting that transcends mere depiction to embody…

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      Isaac and Rebecca, known as (1669) by Rembrandt
      #35

      Isaac and Rebecca, known as

      1669 · Rijksmuseum

      Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn's “Isaac and Rebecca,” painted in 1669, is more than just a portrait; it’s a carefully constructed tableau of burgeoning love and familial anticipation. This…

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      Philosopher in Meditation (1632) by Rembrandt
      #36

      Philosopher in Meditation

      1632 · The Louvre

      Rembrandt van Rijn’s Philosopher in Meditation, created in 1632, is more than just a painting; it's an invitation to contemplate the depths of human thought and introspection. Housed…

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      Philosopher Reading (1631) by Rembrandt
      #37

      Philosopher Reading

      1631 · Nationalmuseum

      A Window into Thought: Rembrandt’s ‘The Philosopher Reading’ Rembrandt van Rijn's 1631 oil on panel, *The Philosopher Reading*, is a masterful exploration of inner life and intellectual pursuit.…

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      The Incredulity of St. Thomas (1634) by Rembrandt
      #41

      The Incredulity of St. Thomas

      1634 · Pushkin State Museum

      A Moment of Doubt & Divine Revelation: Exploring Rembrandt’s *The Incredulity of St. Thomas* Rembrandt van Rijn's 1634 masterpiece, *The Incredulity of St. Thomas*, is a profoundly moving…

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      The Mill (1648) by Rembrandt
      #43

      The Mill

      1648 · National Gallery of Art

      A Masterpiece of Dutch Golden Age Landscape Rembrandt van Rijn’s *The Mill*, created in 1648, is a captivating example of his skill beyond portraiture – demonstrating a profound…

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      Christ Resurected (1661) by Rembrandt
      #47

      Christ Resurected

      1661 · Alte Pinakothek

      Rembrandt van Rijn's "Christ Resurrected," painted in 1661, stands as a profound testament to the artist’s mastery and a deeply moving depiction of Christian faith. This oil on…

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      Portrait of a Seated Woman (1633) by Rembrandt
      #48

      Portrait of a Seated Woman

      1633 · Metropolitan Museum of Art

      A Glimpse into Inner Life: Rembrandt’s Portrait of a Seated Woman (1633) This captivating portrait by Rembrandt van Rijn, painted in 1633, offers more than just a likeness;…

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      Portrait De Famille, brunswick (1669) by Rembrandt
      #51

      Portrait De Famille, brunswick

      1669

      Portrait De Famille, brunswick Rembrandt van Rijn’s Portrait De Famille, Brunswick, painted in 1669, stands as a poignant testament to the artist’s mastery and profound emotional depth—a final…

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      Conspiracy of the Bataves (1661) by Rembrandt
      #53

      Conspiracy of the Bataves

      1661 · Nationalmuseum

      In the heart of the Dutch Golden Age, few canvases command the room with as much psychological weight and atmospheric tension as Rembrandt van Rijn’s Conspiracy of the…

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      Crucifixion (1633) by Rembrandt
      #54

      Crucifixion

      1633 · Alte Pinakothek

      Rembrandt’s Crucifixion: A Masterpiece of Dramatic Light and Emotional Depth The painting “Crucifixion,” created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1633, stands as an unparalleled testament to the artist's…

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      Christ Resurected (1634) by Rembrandt
      #55

      Christ Resurected

      1634 · Pushkin State Museum

      A Moment of Divine Triumph: Exploring Rembrandt’s *Christ Resurrected* Rembrandt van Rijn's 1634 masterpiece, *Christ Resurrected*, is a profoundly moving depiction of faith and renewal. Executed in oil…

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      Old Rabbi by Rembrandt
      #57

      Old Rabbi

      Szépművészeti Múzeum

      Introduction Rembrandt van Rijn, one of the most renowned painters in the history of art, is known for his masterful use of light and shadow, as well as…

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      Portrait of an Old Man (1645) by Rembrandt
      #58

      Portrait of an Old Man

      1645 · Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

      To stand before a portrait by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn is not merely to observe paint on canvas; it is to engage in an intimate dialogue with the…

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      Self Portrait (1659) by Rembrandt
      #59

      Self Portrait

      1659 · National Gallery of Art

      A Window into the Master's Soul To encounter Rembrandt’s 1659 Self Portrait is to engage in a silent, profound dialogue with one of history's most introspective minds. There…

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      The Visitation (1640) by Rembrandt
      #62

      The Visitation

      1640 · Detroit Institute of Arts

      The Visitation: A Masterpiece of Light and Devotion by Rembrandt van Rijn Artist: Rembrandt van Rijn Date: 1640 Dimensions: 57 x 48 cm Current Location: Detroit Institute of…

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      The Toilet of Bathsheba (1643) by Rembrandt
      #64

      The Toilet of Bathsheba

      1643 · Metropolitan Museum of Art

      Rembrandt van Rijn's "The Toilet of Bathsheba" depicts a pivotal moment from the biblical narrative in 2 Samuel. The painting portrays Bathsheba, King David’s desired subject, engaged in…

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      Agatha Bas (1611-58) (1641) by Rembrandt
      #66

      Agatha Bas (1611-58)

      1641 · Royal Collection

      Rembrandt van Rijn’s portrait of Agatha Bas stands as a testament to the artist's unparalleled ability to capture not just likeness, but also the very essence of human…

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      Self Portrait, Frowning (1630) by Rembrandt
      #73

      Self Portrait, Frowning

      1630

      A Window into Rembrandt’s Soul: The Frowning Self-Portrait of 1630 Rembrandt van Rijn, a name synonymous with the Dutch Golden Age and masterful manipulation of light and shadow,…

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      An Elderly Man as Saint Paul by Rembrandt
      #76

      An Elderly Man as Saint Paul

      National Gallery

      This compelling portrait captures an elderly man with a contemplative expression, embodying wisdom, dignity, and inner reflection. His gaze, slightly turned and deeply introspective, invites viewers into a…

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      The Woman taken in Adultury (1644) by Rembrandt
      #78

      The Woman taken in Adultury

      1644 · National Gallery

      Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, arguably the most influential artist of the Dutch Golden Age, gifted us with an enduring image of human vulnerability and moral reckoning: “The Woman…

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      Christ in the Storm (1633) by Rembrandt
      #82

      Christ in the Storm

      1633 · Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

      Rembrandt van Rijn's "Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee" is a powerful depiction of a pivotal moment from the New Testament. The painting captures the…

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      Self Portrait (24) (1633) by Rembrandt
      #84

      Self Portrait (24)

      1633

      Introduction to a Timeless Work Rembrandt Van Rijn, one of the most celebrated painters in history, left an indelible mark on the art world with his captivating self-portraits.…

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      Philosopher in Meditation (1632) by Rembrandt
      #86

      Philosopher in Meditation

      1632 · The Louvre

      Rembrandt Peale's “Philosopher in Meditation,” painted in 1632, is more than just a portrait; it’s a carefully constructed tableau of introspection and the pursuit of knowledge. Emerging from…

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      History Painting (1626) by Rembrandt
      #87

      History Painting

      1626 · Museum de Lakenhal

      Step into a world of opulence and significance with this captivating history painting from 1626. The artwork transports viewers to a moment of ceremonial grandeur, featuring a group…

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      Portrait of a Woman holding Gloves (1632) by Rembrandt
      #89

      Portrait of a Woman holding Gloves

      1632 · Kunsthistorisches Museum

      In this three-quarter length portrait, we encounter a middle-aged woman who commands the space through a sense of quiet dignity. She is positioned slightly off-center, her gaze directed…

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      An Old Lady with a Book (1637) by Rembrandt
      #92

      An Old Lady with a Book

      1637 · National Gallery of Art

      Rembrandt van Rijn's “An Old Lady with a Book,” painted in 1637, is more than just a portrait; it’s a profound meditation on age, wisdom, and the solace…

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      Supper at Emmaus (1648) by Rembrandt
      #95

      Supper at Emmaus

      1648 · The Louvre

      Rembrandt van Rijn’s "Supper at Emmaus," housed in the Musée du Louvre, stands as a poignant testament to his mastery during the Dutch Golden Age. Painted in 1648,…

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      Portrait of a Woman (1635) by Rembrandt
      #96

      Portrait of a Woman

      1635 · Cleveland Museum of Art

      A single source of light falls from the upper left, carving a face out of the dark. This woman exists in a quiet, oval space, her presence defined…

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      An Old Woman Reading (1655) by Rembrandt
      #100

      An Old Woman Reading

      1655

      Rembrandt van Rijn’s “An Old Woman Reading,” painted in 1655, is more than just a portrait; it's a profound exploration of human introspection and the quiet dignity of…

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      Rembrandt's canvases, period by period

      What Rembrandt painted most

      The four subjects that return most often on these canvases, each with its best-loved example.

      Where Rembrandt's canvases hang

      The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.

      Museum City Works by Rembrandt Paintings from this list
      National Gallery, LondonNational Gallery London 35 The Feast of Belshazzar, Belshazzar's feast, Christ and the adulteress ng london
      Hermitage Museum, Saint PetersburgHermitage Museum Saint Petersburg 31 The return of the prodigal son, Danae, The Sacrifice of Isaac, Eremitag
      Rijksmuseum, AmsterdamRijksmuseum Amsterdam 39 Night Watch, Jeremiah mourning over the Destruction of Jerusalem, Isaac and Rebecca, known as
      The Louvre, ParisThe Louvre Paris 21 Philosopher in Meditation, Philosopher in Meditation, A Woman with a Little Child on her Lap
      Metropolitan Museum of Art, New YorkMetropolitan Museum of Art New York 43 Aristotle Contemplating a Bust of Homer, Portrait of a Seated Woman, The Toilet of Bathsheba
      Mauritshuis, The HagueMauritshuis The Hague 24 The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp, Andromeda, The Anatomy Lecture of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp [1632]
      National Gallery of Art, WashingtonNational Gallery of Art Washington 23 The Mill, Self Portrait, An Old Lady with a Book
      Nationalmuseum, StockholmNationalmuseum Stockholm 14 Title in Swedish: Batavernas trohetsed till Claudius Civilis, Philosopher Reading, Conspiracy of the Bataves

      Decade by decade: Rembrandt's most celebrated canvas

      1. 1620s
        The Stoning of St. Stephen (1625) by Rembrandt
        19 of 100

        The Stoning of St. Stephen

        Age 14 – 23 · Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon

        The Stoning of Saint Stephen Rembrandt van Rijn’s “The Stoning of Saint Stephen” stands as an arresting emblem of Baroque drama—a painting that transcends mere depiction, immersing the…

      2. 1630s
        Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee (1633) by Rembrandt
        Ranked 2 of 100

        Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee

        Age 24 – 33 · Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

        A Tempestuous Vision: Rembrandt’s ‘Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee’ Subject and Narrative: This monumental oil painting plunges viewers directly into one of the most…

      3. 1640s
        Night Watch (1642) by Rembrandt
        Ranked 1 of 100

        Night Watch

        Age 34 – 43 · Rijksmuseum

        Step closer and observe the sheer energy contained within this frame. What we see here is not a static group portrait, but a scene caught in mid-motion. Captain…

      4. 1650s
        Moses with the Ten Commandments (1659) by Rembrandt
        Canvas 11 of 100

        Moses with the Ten Commandments

        Age 44 – 53 · Gemäldegalerie

        In the profound depths of Rembrandt van Rijn’s Moses with the Ten Commandments, we are not merely observers of a biblical event, but witnesses to a psychological storm.…

      5. 1660s
        The return of the prodigal son (1662) by Rembrandt
        4 of 100

        The return of the prodigal son

        Age 54 – 63 · Hermitage Museum

        Rembrandt van Rijn’s The return of the Prodigal Son ca eremitaget, dated 1662, stands as a monumental achievement in Baroque art—a poignant meditation on repentance, forgiveness, and familial…

      Your questions on Rembrandt's paintings, answered

      Which is the most celebrated painting by Rembrandt?Read the answer

      Night Watch (1642), Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee (1633) and The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp (1632) follow.

      How old was Rembrandt at the time of Night Watch?Read the answer

      Rembrandt, born in 1606, was 36 years old: Night Watch dates from 1642.

      Which ten paintings is Rembrandt most famous for?Read the answer

      Night Watch, Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp, The return of the prodigal son, Danae, The jewish bride, The Feast of Belshazzar, Sampling Officials of the Guild of the Drapers, Bathsheba at Her Bath and Aristotle Contemplating a Bust of Homer. Each canvas in the ranking above comes with its year and its museum.

      How many paintings by Rembrandt are known?Read the answer

      1,554 works by Rembrandt are in our catalogue, dated 1625 to 1669.

      Which museums hold Rembrandt's best-known canvases?Read the answer

      Mostly in National Gallery (London), Hermitage Museum (Saint Petersburg) and Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam); the list above names each museum and its canvases.

      In which years did Rembrandt paint the most celebrated canvases?Read the answer

      In 1630s, which gave 36 of the 100 works on this page, Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee among them.

      What are the first and the last of Rembrandt's famous canvases?Read the answer

      The earliest canvas here is The Stoning of St. Stephen (1625); the latest is The Return of the Prodigal Son (1669).

      Which subjects return most often in Rembrandt's paintings?Read the answer

      Dutch golden age (25), Portraiture (18) and Chiaroscuro (14), across the 100 works on this page.

      What did Rembrandt usually paint with?Read the answer

      Oil On Canvas, used in 60 of the 100 works on this page.

      To which art movement does Rembrandt belong?Read the answer

      Baroque, as the canvases on this page show.

      What can I see by Rembrandt at the National Gallery?Read the answer

      The National Gallery, London holds 7 of the works on this page, among them The Feast of Belshazzar, Belshazzar's feast and Christ and the adulteress ng london.

      Can I order a hand-painted copy of a painting by Rembrandt?Read the answer

      Yes. Every painting on this page can be ordered from its own page as an oil reproduction painted by hand, or as a fine art print, in the size you choose.

      Rembrandt: the painter's story

      The Life of Rembrandt van Rijn

      Born on 15 July 1606 in Leiden, in the Dutch Republic, Rembrandt van Rijn entered a world of modest means. He was the ninth child born to Harmen Gerritszoon van Rijn and Neeltgen Willemsdochter van Zuijtbrouck. His life was one of immense productivity, spanning many decades of creative output. By the time he died on 4 October 1669, he had left behind a vast legacy that includes about 300 paintings, 300 etchings, and several hundred drawings.

      As a painter, printmaker, and draughtsman, he became a central figure of the Dutch Golden Age. His work was not limited to a single medium; he moved between the heavy application of paint and the precise, delicate lines of intaglio printmaking. This technical range allowed his visual ideas to reach far beyond the borders of the Netherlands. His ability to capture human emotion and light became a defining characteristic of his many years of practice.

      His surviving works offer a window into a life lived through constant creation. Some of his notable pieces include:

      Early Life, Family and Training

      Born into a family of modest, industrious means, Rembrandt entered a world shaped by the steady rhythms of trade. His father, Harmen Gerritszoon van Rijn, worked as a miller, while his mother, Neeltgen Willemsdochter van Zuijtbrouck, was the daughter of a baker. This stable upbringing in Leiden provided the foundation for a boy who would eventually command the attention of the Dutch Republic. Before he ever picked up a brush, he attended Latin school, an education that likely sharpened the intellectual depth found in his later compositions.

      His formal artistic development began in earnest when he was apprenticed to Jacob van Swanenburg. This three-year period of study provided the technical grounding necessary for a professional career. After completing his apprenticeship, he moved toward the center of the Dutch art world, seeking further instruction in Amsterdam. He spent six months under the guidance of the history painter Pieter Lastman, a period that proved essential in shaping his understanding of complex narrative and human emotion.

      Establishing a Career in Leiden and Amsterdam

      By 1625, the young artist had moved beyond his apprenticeship and opened a studio in Leiden. He did not work alone; he shared this space with his colleague Jan Lievens. During these years, his output focused on religious and allegorical subjects. He often paid close attention to the fine details of costumes and jewelry in these early works. As his reputation grew, he began to attract his own pupils, including Gerrit Dou and Isaac de Jouderville, which helped establish a professional workshop structure.

      A significant shift occurred in 1631 when he moved to Amsterdam. This relocation was a strategic step into the commercial heart of the Dutch Republic. Shortly after his arrival, he became involved with the Amsterdam art dealer Hendrik van Uylenburgh. This connection provided the professional stability and access to high-profile clients necessary to solidify his standing. He soon became a member of the city's guild of painters, a formal recognition of his status within the established artistic community. In this bustling urban environment, he transitioned into a leading portraitist, finding success through a growing network of patrons and the support of the city's merchant class.

      Patrons, Workshop and Commissions

      Success in the Dutch Golden Age required more than talent; it demanded the right connections. By 1628, Rembrandt had already secured his first recorded buyer, Joan Huydecoper. This early recognition was soon bolstered by the discovery of his talent in 1629 by Constantijn Huygens. Such high-level patronage provided the stability necessary to expand his influence. Prince Frederik Hendrik became a consistent supporter, continuing to purchase his paintings and ensuring the artist's presence in the most influential circles of the time.

      As his reputation grew, so did the scale of his operations. He began accepting students in 1627, building a workshop that would become a significant center for artistic production. Among those who studied under his guidance were Gerrit Dou and Isaac de Jouderville. This instructional period allowed him to manage a growing number of commissions while refining the specific techniques that would define his career. His studio was a place of constant activity, where the demands of his patrons met the practical needs of a busy professional practice.

      Marriage and Family Life

      In 1634, Rembrandt’s personal life underwent a significant change when he married Saskia van Uylenburgh on 2 July. Saskia came from a family of standing; her father, Rombertus Uylenburg, held the positions of mayor and justice of the Court of Friesland. Their union brought a sense of stability to his growing life in Amsterdam, and Saskia became a constant presence in his creative world. She appeared frequently as a model in his drawings and etchings, her likeness becoming a recurring element in his visual language.

      The couple had a son, Titus van Rijn, who grew up within the busy atmosphere of the artist's studio. Titus was more than a member of the household; he was a frequent subject for his father's studies and eventually took on the responsibility of managing the family's affairs. The bond between father and son was central to the domestic life of the household, particularly as the years passed and the complexities of the artist's professional and financial standing shifted.

      Technique and Artistic Style

      Rembrandt had a way of making light feel like a physical presence in a room. He became a master of chiaroscuro, using the sharp contrast between deep shadows and bright highlights to create a sense of drama and weight. This was not merely a trick of the light; it was a way to guide the eye and suggest the hidden depths of a person's character. He used these shadows to sculpt faces and objects, making them feel tangible and real even in the dimmest settings.

      His skill extended far beyond the canvas and into the intricate world of intaglio printmaking. He was a prolific etcher who understood how to translate the heavy, atmospheric qualities of his paintings onto a copper plate. To achieve this, he relied on a precise set of technical methods. He used biting to etch lines into the metal, combined with fluid lines and delicate cross-hatching to build up texture. Through subtle tonalities, he could replicate the soft transitions of light that he achieved with a brush, allowing his visual ideas to reach a much wider audience through his prints.

      Key Works and Masterpieces

      Rembrandt’s ability to capture human emotion is perhaps most visible in his large-scale compositions. In 1642, he completed The Night Watch, a work that demonstrates his command over light and shadow to create a sense of movement and drama. This period of his life saw him moving toward more complex, crowded scenes that required a deep understanding of how light falls across a group of people.

      As he aged, his focus often turned toward the weight of human experience and spiritual themes. The Return of the Prodigal Son, finished in 1669, reflects the profound psychological depth he sought in his later years. Similarly, Isaac and Rebecca, painted about 1669, shows his interest in the quiet, intimate connections between individuals. Even in his earlier, more vigorous works like The Blinding of Samson, there is a clear sense of the tension and narrative power he could pull from a single moment.

      Where to See the Works Today

      To encounter the physical presence of Rembrandt's hand, one must travel to several major institutions across Europe and North America. His legacy is spread across many collections, with the National Gallery in London holding sixteen of his works. In Paris, the Louvre maintains thirteen pieces, offering a quiet space to observe his use of light. The Mauritshuis in The Hague is another essential stop, housing twelve works that reflect his development.

      The reach of his art extends far beyond the Netherlands. In Munich, the Alte Pinakothek holds eleven paintings, while the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York contains eleven as well. These collections allow us to see how his style evolved from his early years in Leiden to his later, more introspective period. Seeing these works in person reveals the texture of the paint and the depth of the shadows he created.

      All 1554 works by Rembrandt →