Rembrandt: The Christmas Story

by Rembrandt van Rijn

Universally acclaimed as one of the greatest artists of all time, Rembrandt often turned to Scripture for inspiration. Many of his works, crafted with vitality and emotion that stir the spirit, depict events of the Christmas story. This unique collection of reproductions of color oils, drawings, and black and white etchings depict everything from the angel Gabriel's announcement of Jesus' birth to the adoration of shepherds and wise men. Each piece is accompanied by the Scripture that inspired the seventeenth century artist. This a lavish, beautiful gift book that will become a treasured Christmas tradition. Hardcover. 80 Pages.

Genres: Christmas, Art, Holiday, Religion

80 pages, Hardcover

First published September 8, 1998

About the author

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (July 15, 1606 - October 04, 1669) was a Dutch painter and etcher.

He is generally considered one of the greatest painters and printmakers in European art history and the most important in Dutch history. His contributions to art came in a period that historians call the Dutch Golden Age.

Having achieved youthful success as a portrait painter, his later years were marked by personal tragedy and financial hardship. Yet his drawings and paintings were popular throughout his lifetime, his reputation as an artist remained high and for twenty years he taught nearly every important Dutch painter. Rembrandt's greatest creative triumphs are exemplified especially in his portraits of his contemporaries, self-portraits and illustrations of scenes from the Bible. The self-portraits form a unique and intimate biography, in which the artist surveyed himself without vanity and with the utmost sincerity.

In both painting and printmaking he exhibited a complete knowledge of classical iconography, which he molded to fit the requirements of his own experience; thus, the depiction of a biblical scene was informed by Rembrandt's knowledge of the specific text, his assimilation of classical composition, and his observations of the Jewish population of Amsterdam. Because of his empathy for the human condition, he has been called "one of the great prophets of civilization."

Reviews

[Stephanie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This little book contains the story of the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world. It is the greatest story ever told.” 🥹💙🐑

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A curious little book of Rembrandt's oils, pen and ink drawings, pen and brush drawings, and etchings of the Annunciation, Mary's visit to Elizabeth, the naming of St. John the Baptist, the birth of Jesus,the shepherds worshiping the Christ Child, the adoration of the Magi, the flight into Egypt, Simeon's prophecy, the Prophetess Anna, and other scenes. It would have been better if published in a larger format. The scale does not do justice to the oils, drawings, and etches.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful little book of 40+ of Rembrandt’s amazing portraits and sketches of the story of the Nativity - from the Annunciation, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, the birth, the Magi, the Shepherds, the Flight to Egypt, to Simeon and Anna- interspersed with the words of scripture. It’s a beautiful book get a cup of tea, sit by the fire or Christmas tree, appreciate the beautiful artwork of a master painter and reflect on the meaning of all the story it tells.

[Barb Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!