A Picture Book Exploration: Rembrandt
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, as I am an Amazon Associate, this means that I will make a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
There are artists’ names that people throw around easily: Picasso, Monet, Matisse and Rembrandt. But could I actually name what each of them is famous for, what type of art they created? When I hear their names does an image pop in my mind? For many, the answer is no, and for me in particular, I have no problems with the first three but Rembrandt was just a name. It was the name of an obscure Renaissance artist that left me very much unimpressed. So today, on his birthday, let’s discover together this not-so-obscure artist through: The Artist and His Models by Haneul Ddang, illustrated by Sam-hyeon Kim.
The Artist and His Models by Haneul Ddang, illustrated by Sam-hyeon Kim
What an intriguing picture book this is! Not only do we travel through the history of Rembrandt’s life, art, fame and fall but we also have to guess who his mystery model was. Starting as a riddle that will not be solved until the very last page, this picture book was a lovely discovery. Sam-hyeon Kim’s illustrations are beautiful and include many original paintings of Rembrandt and other artists of his time. Haneul Ddang’s story is fluid and delightful, with this hint of mystery hanging over it all until the very end.
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn
First of all, that’s a mouth full so no wonder it was shortened to just his first name! If anyone knows how to pronounce his full name properly, please let me know! Born July 15, 1606 in Holland, Rembrandt became one the most influential painters of the Dutch Golden Age during the 17th century. His art reached into all genres from portraits and self-portraits to landscapes and historical or biblical scenes. Rembrandt worked mainly with oil paints on canvas but is also renowned for his pencil drawings, sketches and etchings. His artistic career quickly climbed, plateaued and soon he fell into the shadows. He died unknown and alone while his art remains some of the most famous in history.
Disclaimer: This is one of the first picture books used in the very first Booklist and while it was kept very sweet, I have added a few extra enrichment activities in this post.
Geography
On a world map locate Holland (the Netherlands), color it. On a map of the Netherlands locate Amsterdam, its capital with a dot on your map. Also add its major landmarks (oceans, rivers, lakes, mountains, etc…). Find the Dutch flag and read about its history and its symbols.
Picture Study
I have put together three of Rembrandt’s better known paintings. Spend some time looking at them and studying them. What do you notice that was pointed out in the story? Yes, I did put portraits of his two favorite models. I just had to. More Rockwell paintings can be found here.
Art
Facial expressions are so hard to capture! It takes a very talented artist to be able to truly render a good facial expression!
Start practicing today. You won’t learn any younger 😉
While practicing facial expressions you will discover so many things you did not know about the people surrounding you. You will pay closer attention to their expressions and discover many “tells” of their mood, opinions and ideas as their expressions change. It is truly a study in human nature as well as art.
Once you start having a grasp on facial expression try your hand at a self-portrait! I don’t know about you but I have a hard time truly liking my own pictures. For most of us it is hard to face (pun intended) our reality versus what we think we look like in our head. But it is also such a great discovery! Spend some time deciding which expression of yourself you want to work with first, that could be quite a funny time in front of the mirror!
Best cookies EVER!
Since Rembrandt was from the Netherlands, I chose to highlight some of my favorite cookies: the Speculoos! These delicious cookies are also very popular on St. Nicholas’s feast day, December 6th. They are sweet and spicy, they warm you up in winter and delight you in summer. They are pretty much the perfect cookie! Enjoy!
Did you know that you could be exploring a new picture book every day of the year? A Daily Picture Book’s monthly booklists have been created for this very purpose! Most of the picture books featured are non-fiction historical and geographical picture books accompanied by enrichment activities and a recipe. Sprinkled throughout are also important cultural picture books such as Tall Tales, Fairy Tales, Folktales, from around the world. Come join us for a delight-filled addition to your daily routine!
Love,
Mattie
