Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn 1881 - 1884

Hans Makart made "Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn," using oil paint on canvas, a standard fine art material. The smooth application of the oil paint would have required many layers, each meticulously applied to build up the texture, depth, and realism of the figures. This would have required both physical stamina and immense patience. The way that the oil paint is applied would have determined the appearance of the artwork, with its inherent qualities of color and viscosity. This was labor-intensive work, a commitment of time, and a demonstration of the artist's skill and social class, especially considering the grand scale of the artwork, which would have been a monumental undertaking that would have taken the artist months to complete. Understanding the skill and time involved, alongside the social and historical context, helps us appreciate this painting, beyond traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.