The Anatomy Lecture of Dr NicolasTulp, by Rembrandt van Rijn
A great painting, but Rembrandt would do better
Rembrandt (1609–69) was 26 years old when he painted this well-known work in 1632. It measures 163x217 cm (65x86.5 in).
It was Rembrandt’s first important group composition, showing Dr Tulp (1593–1674) demonstrating the structure of the forearm, with the assistance of the famous anatomy book by Andreas Vesalius (1514–64) propped at the foot of the body.
Nearly all the people portrayed have been identified, including the corpse, who was a noted criminal named Aris Kindt. It was common practice in many countries (including Great Britain) for executed criminals to become unwilling contributors to medical research and teaching.
The painting shows a dramatic intent in the composition that is lacking in many works by Rembrandt’s contemporaries, although there is some inconsistency in the poses of the onlookers, and Dr Tulp’s stance is perhaps too stiff and formal.
There is also an interesting error in this painting, in that the corpse appears to have two right hands! What should be his left hand clearly has the thumb in the wrong place, given that this is the back of a hand, not the front.
Even so, this had to be a demanding contract for a young painter and shows promise of better things to come. This painting contrasts strongly with the much more dramatic “The Night Watch” that was to come ten years later.
Did you like this? Maybe not! Either way, your comment will be very welcome!
For other similar pieces, see my List:
