In this expert session, art historian and entrepreneur Koos de Wilt delves into the intriguing connection between the Dutch Golden Age and the world of art, specifically focusing on Rembrandt's role as a merchant and entrepreneur. He introduces himself and the topic of his lecture: Rembrandt, the merchant and entrepreneur. The speaker begins by asking attendees if they recognize the famous painting "The Night Watch" by Rembrandt, which is displayed on the screen. He explains that this painting holds great significance during the Dutch Golden Age (17th century), a period known for its immense prosperity primarily driven by grain trading and shipping.
De Wilt shares insights into how this economic boom influenced Rembrandt's career, as his clientele consisted mainly of wealthy merchants who had amassed fortunes from these trades. He then provides a captivating slideshow to illustrate the importance of the VOC (Dutch East India Company), which played a significant role in Amsterdam's growth as both an artistic and commercial hub during this era.
Throughout his lecture, De Wilt emphasizes how Dutch art evolved due to this influx of wealth from merchants, with genre paintings gaining popularity and depicting everyday life becoming increasingly popular. He discusses influential artists like Huygens and Vermeer whose works were highly sought after during this time.
De Wilt continues the expert session by discussing Rembrandt's innovative approaches to earning income as an artist. He highlights Rembrandt's early accomplishments, which included buying a prestigious house in Amsterdam, and shares that the painter earned significant revenue from selling portraits, group portraits, self-portraits, etchings, and even teaching students.
The session then delves into Rembrandt's challenges, including his strained relationship with the Amsterdam elite and their preference for artists who painted more favorable faces, leading to fewer commissions from this demographic. Despite this, Rembrandt continued to earn money by creating portraits for those outside of the upper echelons of society.
Furthermore, Rembrandt's financial downfall was not due to his obsession with art but rather his inability to adapt to changing economic circumstances. In the 17th century, Amsterdam held the world's economic center, but its position shifted during the Anglo-Dutch Wars, leading to fewer clients for Rembrandt and eventually causing him to go bankrupt.
Despite this setback, Rembrandt continued to create masterpieces, prioritizing artistic expression over commercial success, such as his famous work in the Swedish National Museum in Stockholm. His impact on the art scene was significant, with patrons traveling from far and wide to commission his works. One notable example is when the Medici family requested a self-portrait but ended up buying another painting instead due to unavailability.
Towards the end of his lecture, De Wilt shares fascinating anecdotes about specific artworks and their worth in both artistic and commercial contexts, such as Rembrandt's self-portraits and the impact of auctions on artists' careers. The session concludes with a brief overview of Rembrandt's financial success during his lifetime and the importance of recognizing the intersection of art and commerce during the Dutch Golden Age.
