DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62913#0018
X
THE LIFE OF
retired habits, that, unless they recorded the events of
their own history, or it was done by some contempo-
rary writer, the biographer has, in most instances, but
scanty and uncertain materials to work from; and little
dependence can be placed upon many of the tradi-
tionary tales collected in the neighbourhood in which
they lived, perhaps half a century after their decease.
Much, however, relating to the history and character
of artists in general, is of this description; and if it
were not for an occasional anecdote breaking the mono-
tony of the record, together with occasional remarks
on their progress in the profession, a few lines would
frequently suffice to comprise their whole history.
The preceding observations may, with propriety, be
applied to that extraordinary artist, Rembrandt Van
Rhyn, a notice of whose life, character, and produc-
tions, form the contents of the following pages.
Preliminary to entering upon the subject, the Writer
feels it due to those who have preceded him, candidly to
advise his readers not to expect much that is novel in
matter, or original in description; so many having
already written on the subject, some of whom have
spared neither pains or expense in collecting every
incident that might tend to develope his character as
an artist, and his peculiarities as a man; so that little
has been left in the field of research where so many
have previously gleaned.
Rembrandt Van Rhyn* was the only son of a miller,
* The baptismal name of Paul has been, by some writers,
added to Rembrandt, but by what authority, the Writer is
entirely ignorant, as he has in no instance found it on his
pictures.
THE LIFE OF
retired habits, that, unless they recorded the events of
their own history, or it was done by some contempo-
rary writer, the biographer has, in most instances, but
scanty and uncertain materials to work from; and little
dependence can be placed upon many of the tradi-
tionary tales collected in the neighbourhood in which
they lived, perhaps half a century after their decease.
Much, however, relating to the history and character
of artists in general, is of this description; and if it
were not for an occasional anecdote breaking the mono-
tony of the record, together with occasional remarks
on their progress in the profession, a few lines would
frequently suffice to comprise their whole history.
The preceding observations may, with propriety, be
applied to that extraordinary artist, Rembrandt Van
Rhyn, a notice of whose life, character, and produc-
tions, form the contents of the following pages.
Preliminary to entering upon the subject, the Writer
feels it due to those who have preceded him, candidly to
advise his readers not to expect much that is novel in
matter, or original in description; so many having
already written on the subject, some of whom have
spared neither pains or expense in collecting every
incident that might tend to develope his character as
an artist, and his peculiarities as a man; so that little
has been left in the field of research where so many
have previously gleaned.
Rembrandt Van Rhyn* was the only son of a miller,
* The baptismal name of Paul has been, by some writers,
added to Rembrandt, but by what authority, the Writer is
entirely ignorant, as he has in no instance found it on his
pictures.