Study day: Rembrandt and 17th century printmaking

What is the course about?

In this study day we will begin with an introduction to Rembrandt as an artist and to relevant aspects of the socio-historic context to set the scene. We look at Rembrandt’s development as a printmaker, including his use of materials and techniques such as etching, dry point, burin and monotypes, and his utilisation of different types of support. An introduction to these materials and techniques, their benefits and limitations will be explored. Rembrandt’s artistic process/ innovative practice will be a focus.

Influences on Rembrandt’s printmaking practice, such as works by Hercules Segersand Rubens, the most successful artist in the Spanish Netherlands, will also be discussed. We will see how Rubens influenced Rembrandt’s collection of prints, artworks/objects, and explore the economic role prints played for Rembrandt. We will come to understand how prints by Rembrandt thematically engage with landscape, portrait, self-portrait and religious works, how this can be related to the context and artistic priorities of the time and consider how the artist ascribes to or departs from convention.

The session will be interactive with visual analysis exercises, allowing new knowledge to be put into practice in the analysis of artworks.

Tutor Caroline Rae is an art historian specialising in early modern northern European easel painting. Caroline uses the interdisciplinary methodology of technical art history to address questions of materiality, workshop practice, attribution and cross-cultural influence. Her current research interests are Netherlandish émigré artists who worked at court in England and Scotland in the late 16th/early 17th centuries, Tudor, Stuart and Jacobean portraiture, and the history of artists' materials and techniques. Caroline has recently published on portraiture of Mary, Queen of Scots, and she has also published previously on the materials and techniques of artists including John de Critz the Elder, Adrian Vanson, and Henry Fuseli RA.

What will we cover?

• Introduction to Rembrandt as a printmaker, including materials and techniques and the economic role of prints for the artist
• Introduction to various printmaking techniques
• Consideration of Rembrandt’s approach to subject matter.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

· Identify the use of various printmaking techniques by the artist
· Discuss the artist’s printmaking practice, including why he can be considered innovative, how his treatment of subject matter can be related to artistic conventions at the time
· Understand how the artist exploited the print medium for expressive effect. Understand the economic role prints played for Rembrandt.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for all levels. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught with lecture, slide presentations and will be invited to participate in group discussions.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Seeing inside paintings
A brief history of printmaking.