Van Rijn Rembrandt painted "Philosopher in Meditation" in Amsterdam during 1632 ("Philosopher in Meditation"). The picture is now located at the Musee de Louvre in Paris, France ("Philosopher in Meditation").
There are several aspects of this painting that represent the Baroque Era, including the strong contrast between light and shadow ("How to Recognize Baroque Art"). Rembrandt's audience can clearly see the line separating the yellow light of the window from the wall on the left that appears to be submerged in shadow. There are also two distinct diagonals from each top corner to its opposing bottom corner, boasting Rembrandt's close attention to geometric detail.
The picture seems to be still and renders a feeling of peace, from the duskiness of the room to the philosopher's graceful poise. In this case, an onlooker might say that the painting looks more like it came from the Renaissance period. However, the picture is still a moment captured in time. The philosopher is still, but he is mediating. The woman in the bottom right corner is stooping over to stoke the fire. These people are not posing for a picture; rather they are allowing Rembrandt to capture the essence of this very moment, which is an important theme in Baroque art ("How to Recognize Baroque Art").
It is difficult to decide what part of the Baroque Era influenced this painting the most. It does not seem to strongly represent religious conflict or royalty. Perhaps the meaning of Rembrandt's "Philosopher in Meditation" was influenced by the expansion of scientific knowledge in the 17th century. "The Baroque era was a time of scientific growth and the development of unwavering curiosity..." (Celinabatchart). By studying the philosopher's position and serene expression in this painting, the audience might conclude that he is investing his thoughts in the nature of the world, in his unwavering curiosity. Philosophy and science are two vastly different words, but they both resonate with the order of the world. Perhaps Rembrandt intended for this philosopher to be a bridge between the two, in this era of wonder and curiosity.
I chose to write about this painting because I am attracted to its sense of peace. I long for unspoken moments like these, which Rembrandt seems to have so beautifully captured by the tip of his brush. I'd like to think that most of my time spent as an old person will be at the foot of a staircase as I sit quietly and think about the world.
Sources
“How to Recognize Baroque Art.” Youtube, uploaded by Smarthistory, 10 May 2016.
"Philosopher in Meditation." Philosopher in Meditation by Rembrandt.
Hello Sophia,
ReplyDeleteI also chose a piece by Van Rijn for this week’s blog! This painting is beautiful, I really like the colors he used to make the light and shadows pop. The first thing that stood out to me was the dark and light areas of the painting. To me it creates an eerie feeling. Scientific knowledge expanded hugely during this period and I think Van Rijn really captured it on a painting.
I really enjoy how harsh the contrast between light and dark is and ye how peaceful the painting is. I also really like that there are two clear points of light with the one coming from the window being much brighter and the one from the fire only really illuminating the face of the other person. To me it gives the impression of him being so deep in thought as life still happens around him. As you said, this really does feel like one moment in time rather than a story.
ReplyDeleteWow! This painting is beautiful! I completely agree that it evokes a feeling of peace. I really love how contrast and balance are used here. The staircase acts as a great division between the contrasting light, and dark sides of the painting. The way the semi-circular shape of the light and dark painting is formed reminds me a bit of the Yin-yang symbol. What a lovely piece!
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