Rembrandt and Saskia in the Scene of the Prodigal Son c. 1635

Rembrandt van Rijn created this scene with oil on canvas, a common method at the time. But look closely, and you’ll see how his skilled manipulation of the material elevates the work beyond mere representation. The thick application of paint, or impasto, especially in areas like the clothing, gives a palpable sense of texture and volume. This wasn’t just about depicting a scene; it was about using the very substance of oil paint to create a rich, almost sculptural surface. Notice how light catches the raised strokes, adding depth and drama. This tactile approach is significant. In Rembrandt’s time, the art world was increasingly commercial. By foregrounding his mastery of the medium, he asserted the value of skilled craftsmanship in an era of growing mass production and consumption. He challenges us to look beyond the narrative and appreciate the labor and artistry embedded in every brushstroke, complicating the traditional divide between fine art and craft.