Dutch Golden Age painter Rembrandt’s philosophy

Rembrandt van Rijn is among the most Farrar Straus Giroux. Renowned for capturing both form and light and for an extraordinary command of the medium, his work is imbued with a profound empathy for humanity. While some of the articles focus on the best quotes attributable to Rembrandt, the other parts offer insight into his analytical approach to painting and life. Explore the insight behind this iconic artist, and learn the everlasting lessons that help shape generations.

Rembrandt van Rijn Quotes

01. “Without atmosphere a painting is nothing.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

02. “Practise what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

03. “Life etches itself onto our faces as we grow older, showing our violence, excesses or kindnesses.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

04. “Painting is the grandchild of Nature.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

05. “Practice what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

06. “Choose only one master — Nature.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

07. “Try to put well into practice what you already know. In so doing, you will, in good time, discover the hidden things you now inquire about.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

08. “I envy the poet. He is encouraged toward drunkenness and wallows with nubile wenches while the painter must endure wretchedness and pain for his art.
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

09. “Without atmosphere a painting is nothing.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

10. “A painting is finished when the artist says it is finished.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

11. “The Rise of the Cult of Rembrandt: Reinventing an Old Master in Nineteenth-Century France”.
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

12. “Practice what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

13. “A Dictionary of Thoughts: Being a Cyclopedia of Laconic Quotations from the Best Authors of the World, both Ancient and Modern”.
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

14. “Life etches itself onto our faces as we grow older, showing our violence, excesses or kindnesses.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

15. “An honest man always values earning honor over wealth.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

16. “Choose only one master – Nature.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

17. “Rembrandt Drawings”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

18. “Try to put well in practice what you already know; and in so doing, you will in good time, discover the hidden things you now inquire about. Practice what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

19. “Of course you will say that I ought to be practical and ought to try and paint the way they want me to paint. Well, I will tell you a secret. I have tried and I have tried very hard, but I can’t do it. I just can’t do it! And that is why I am just a little crazy.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

20. “R.v.R.: Being an Account of the Last Years and the Death of One Rembrandt Harmenszoon Van Rijn”.
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

21. “Painting is the grandchild of nature. It is related to God.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

22. “Old age is a hindrance to creativity but cannot crush my youthful spirit.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

23. “A work is finished when an artist realizes his intentions.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

24. “A painting is complete when it has the shadows of a god.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

25. “The Rise of the Cult of Rembrandt: Reinventing an Old Master in Nineteenth-Century France”.
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

26. “I can’t paint the way they want me to paint and they know that too.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

27. “Sincerity is the eventual deception of all great men.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

28. “A painting is not made to be sniffed.”
― Rembrandt van Rijn.

29. “The Rise of the Cult of Rembrandt: Reinventing an Old Master in Nineteenth-Century France”.
― Rembrandt van Rijn.