The Rijksmuseum has an exhibition of Dutch and Spanish masters. It’s a sort of exercise in comparison. Sometimes it works, especially when the subject matter is related, and sometimes there’s a tenuous similarity in composition and the viewer is expected to make appreciative “Mmmm” noises. Still, who cares? A chance to see a whole bunch of masterpieces by dead white guys.
Wait...
I can tell you this. Rembrandt stands alone. Anybody who can paint themselves wearing this costume without drawing a round of “What does he think he is?” from the audience has to be good:
And Rembrandt is very good. He’s 250 years better than any of his contemporaries good. He’s the best “I’ll use this brush any way I choose to” artist before Turner good.
Wait...
I can tell you this. Rembrandt stands alone. Anybody who can paint themselves wearing this costume without drawing a round of “What does he think he is?” from the audience has to be good:
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| The Standard Bearer 1636 (self-portrait) |