Rembrandt's Religious Portraits debut

Art Business News, April, 2005

The National Gallery of Art has on exhibit, "Rembrandt's Late Religious Portraits," through May 1. The exhibit brings together 17 works that explore the fascinating aspects of Rembrandt van Rijn's artistic career. The half-length images of religious figures were painted in the late 1650s and early 1660s, and were created in a time of personal turmoil. The dramatic portraits depict apostles and evangelists, as well as representations of Christ, the Virgin Mary and unidentified saints and monks. The figures portrayed in the images peer out of the dark recesses of dimly lit interiors, burdened by the weight of their spiritual and emotional concerns. The exhibit has given rise to a variety of interpretations and raises questions about Rembrandt's life and career.

"The National Gallery of Art is delighted to bring together for the first time Rembrandt's religious portraits, which are among the most evocative and expressive paintings the artist ever created" says Earl A. Powell Ill, director. "We hope that the exhibition will offer new insight into Rembrandt's work and will provide visual delight for our visitors."

The exhibition will travel to the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles and will run through Aug. 28.

SHOW FACTS

Rembrandt's Late Religious Portraits

Through May 1

National Gallery of Art

Address: Fourth St. and Constitution Ave., NW Washington, D.C.

Phone: 202-842-6353

Web site: www.nga.gov