On Rembrandt’s Trail in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is famous for its museums, home to the Dutch Old Masters. And Rembrandt van Rijn is still a household name around the world. But who was Rembrandt, why does he have such lasting fame and where can you see Rembrandt related sights in Amsterdam?
Rembrandt was actually born and raised in Leiden, and only moved to Amsterdam in around 1631, when in his 20’s. He probably used to travel frequently between Leiden and Amsterdam to paint portraits and other commissions, as it was a considerably bigger and wealthier centre. This is most likely why he decided to settle in the city permanently. Rembrandt also met his wife Saskia in Amsterdam, and his son Titus was born here, further forging Rembrandt’s bond with the city. It was during his early years in Amsterdam that he began painting grand mythical and biblical themes.
Rembrandt’s House
In January 1639, Rembrandt bought a house in the Breestraat (now called the Jodenbreestraat), which today is known as the Rembrandt’s House Museum. Here you can visit Rembrandt's 17th-century home and studio, where great care has been taken to refurbish it to what it looked like in Rembrandt’s time. This has largely been made possible by details from Rembrandt’s own drawings, as well as an inventory list which was compiled in 1656, when Rembrandt went bankrupt. The Rembrandt House Museum also has a superb permanent display of Rembrandt’s etchings.
Rijksmuseum
Rembrandt is considered by many to be the greatest painter of the Dutch Golden Age. He could capture light and dark in his paintings in a breathtaking manner, and he was also unrivalled as a draughtsman and etcher. Rembrandt’s work is to be found in many of the leading art galleries around the world. The most notable collection of Rembrandt's work in the Netherlands is at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, including De Nachtwacht (The Night Watch) and Het Joodse Bruidje (The Jewish Bride). De Nachtwacht was actually painted on the first floor of the NH Doelen hotel, the oldest hotel in Amsterdam.
Rembrandt Square
Rembrandt Square (Rembrandtplein) was originally known as the Botermarkt (Butter Market) and was established in 1668. These days it's a buzzing nightlife centre with various hotels, clubs and cafes. Watching over all the proceedings is a cast iron statue of Rembrandt, which has him standing in a casual pose. At his feet used to be 22 bronze characters from his most famous painting, The Night Watch. This scene was created by Russian artists but was too expensive for the city of Amsterdam to purchase and keep.
More Rembrandt around Amsterdam
Rembrandt’s wife Saskia van Uylenburgh died in 1642, and her grave can be seen in the floor of Amsterdam’s Oude Kerk. Rembrandt actually sold Saskia's grave in 1662 in order to be able to pay for the burial of Hendrickje Stoffels, his long-term girlfriend, in a rented grave elsewhere. To circumnavigate creditors after his bankruptcy, Rembrandt worked for Hendrickje and his son Titus from a modest rented house which once stood at 184 Rozengracht. It was here that he died on 4 October 1669.
Amsterdam boasts 22 of Rembrandt’s works and had a special connection with this Old Master. Follow Rembrandt’s trail on a visit to the city.
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