The painting “Jewish Bride” by Rembrandt is one of the last works of the Dutch master
The Jewish Bride is a 1665 painting by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. The couple depicted on the canvas attracts attention with a loving look and a very careful attitude towards each other. The man gently hugs the girl by the shoulders with one hand, placing the other on her chest. The heroine touches her companion’s palm with her fingertips. Their heads are turned to each other, but their eyes are scattered.
The man smiles dreamily, the girl is serious, her cheeks are covered with a gentle blush of embarrassment. The characters look pure and innocent. The author paid special attention to their outfits, writing out luxurious clothes in a manner characteristic of himself. Thick iridescent shades of outfits and jewelry are applied to the canvas with a palette knife.
Author: Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669).
Year of writing: 1665
Size: 121.5 × 166.5 cm.
Style: Baroque.
Genre: Portrait.
Technique: Oil.
Material: Canvas.
Location: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn is a prominent representative of Netherlandish painting in the 17th century.
During his life he created many works. And in recent years, before his death, he turned to plots that reveal the depth of human feelings in various periods of life. It was then that he painted the painting “Jewish Bride”. The masterpiece got its name in the 19th century thanks to a Dutch collector who mistakenly thought that the canvas depicted a girl receiving a precious necklace from her father on her wedding day.
However, at present, experts are inclined to believe that Rembrandt painted a couple in love. Their embrace seems too tender and intimate. Reverently intertwined hands and heads bowed to each other speak of a marital relationship full of love.
According to one version, the author depicted the biblical heroes Isaac and Rebecca. According to another, he captured his son Titus and his wife. Examination of the painting using X-rays showed that there were additional elements on the canvas, which the author later removed from the composition. So, in the original version, the girl held a basket of flowers in her hand. The painting “Jewish Bride” by Rembrandt van Rijn is a lyrical work full of love and tenderness. The picture also has a slight flair of romantic mystery surrounding the young couple.
