Rembrandt Master Printmaker

31 March 2006

Rembrandt Master Printmaker

A Once in a Lifetime Showing

Our own Cincinnati Art Museum has joined with over 74 cities around the world in celebrating the 400th birthday of the Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn (1606 -1669). Most museums have large collections which are kept safe behind closed doors and not available for the general public to view. Instead many pieces are seen only by researchers and scholars upon request and with special permission. As with any great museum there are many acquisitions that are never exhibited to the general public. The majority of the pieces in this exhibit are from The Cincinnati Art Museums own collection. It is nice to know that such an interesting and important exhibit doesn’t have to come from outside our city limits. The exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum is true measure of what treasures may lie in a museums own collection.

The reviews for this exhibit have been favorable. Art Knowledge News states “The exhibition, one of many planned worldwide, demonstrates why Rembrandt is considered one of the world’s greatest artists." Art Knowledge News also quotes Kristin Spangenberg, curator of prints drawings and photographs, “Seeing his prints will help visitors discover why Rembrandt was and truly remains to be one of the world's greatest artists." The Journal-News states “the exhibition has been designed to encourage people to get "up close and personal" with the details of his prints." The Journal-News also quotes Spandenberg, "These were last shown 30 years ago. They've been available by appointment, but as a result of this exhibition, they have been scanned and included in the museums database." and "ours (exhibit) is different. Ours looks at what it is about Rembrandt that resonates today."

There are magnifying glasses available at the exhibit and someone who is not familiar with etchings quickly learns the reason why. Although Rembrandt is known for his beautiful oil portraits and religious scenes,...