The rise of the middle class in the Netherlands during the Baroque era was thanks to the prosperous trade economy that considerably improved the Dutch standard of living. Contemporary Dutch art began to circulate amongst the merchant class depicting celebrations, the simple joys of everyday life, and the abundance of traded goods; most often spices, silks, cotton, and porcelain. For the first time in European history, possession of contemporary art amongst the merchant class became commonplace. There were little to no church commissions due to the country being predominately Protestant, and artwork was bought popularly and sold in commercial art galleries. (1.)
The Philosopher in Meditation by Rembrandt van Rijn (1632.) Oil on oak.
The Philosopher in Meditation is an example of Dutch art reflecting the lives of everyday people- people who weren’t royalty, nobility, or saints. In it, a monk sits with his head bowed in meditation and hands folded in his lap. A woman, who is assumed to be his wife, stokes the fire and golden sunlight is coming in from a grand window. There is actually a third figure in the painting, a woman at the top of the staircase blocking out towards the viewer. However, it’s almost impossible for the naked eye to see her because of the damage to the varnish due to age.
The painting is dimly lit, but doesn’t feel cold or grim. Contrarily, it feels warm, peaceful, and inviting. It is a depiction of home and familiarity that is accentuated by golden hues and relatable acts. The stark contrast between dark and light, shadows and highlights, reflects the theatrical elements that are characteristic of the Baroque era. Some believe that this depth in contrast and warm colors reflects the depth of knowledge that the monk holds. The small door to the monk’s right can be interpreted as the door to the mind’s hidden belly, and the staircase is the accent to higher knowledge of things that we do not understand. When interpreted this way, this painting is really a perfect metaphor for meditation. (2.)
"Philosopher In Meditation" By Rembrandt – Joy Of Museums Virtual Tours". Joy Of Museums Virtual Tours, 2022, https://joyofmuseums.com/museums/europe/france-museums/paris-museums/the-louvre/philosopher-in-meditation-by-Rembrandt/.
"The Philosopher In Meditation By Rembrandt Van Rijn (1632)". Beauty Of Baroque ~ A Weekly Indulgence Of Art From An Amazing Era, 2022, https://beautyofbaroque.wordpress.com/2014/07/20/the-philosopher-in-meditation-by-rembrandt-van-rijn-1632/.
Hey Kyleigh, at first glance this painting seems to have a dark connotation. The darkness combined with the solitude of the man promotes this thought. However, on the left side of this man, there is also a woman. https://joyofmuseums.com/museums/europe/france-museums/paris-museums/the-louvre/philosopher-in-meditation-by-rembrandt/ says This painting is one of the most geometrically complex works painted by Rembrandt. The composition comprises many straight, curved, circular, and radiating lines. This is an oil painting, which I find to be cool.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting view on this painting! I initially found it foreboding but the warmth and comfort of the painting make sense when you explain them. Thank you very much for including an image that shows the woman on the stairs, it's very unfortunate that certain details are lost to time like that. Bringing it back to trends in Dutch art at the time was also very good, just great work and a great analysis!
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