An Old Master Revivified: Rembrandt Among 19th Century French Artists

Abstract

In the nineteenth century, French artists and critics identified Rembrandt as an important precursor for their own goals, and he was crafted as a mentor particularly for printmakers. Books and articles on Rembrandt proliferated and numerous scenes depicting fictional narratives brought the events of his daily life before a broad public. Three such works are considered here and demonstrate how Rembrandt was made into a more accessible old master artist. By depicting Rembrandt's family, patrons, and pet monkey, and in recreating the setting of his studio filled with the objects he valued, these scenes brought Rembrandt's experiences and art into the grasp of everyday life. Indeed reaching out for Rembrandt and approximating his artistic achievements was exactly what many French artists, particularly printmakers, wanted to accomplish. In their hope of reigniting interest in prints, particularly etchings, French artists and critics turned to Rembrandt as their standard. Printmakers—both those who produced original and reproductive prints such as Jacque, Haden, Lepic, Guérard, and Courtry—sought to evoke Rembrandt's presence in their work and in their lives. They made expeditions to study his prints in public collections and bought them for their own private collections. Some made pilgrimages to Amsterdam and others produced meticulous copies or emulated the compositions of his prints. Through these acts of homage, French artists felt they both absorbed some of the ‘genius’ of the Old Master and brought his achievements closer within their grasp.