The conservator’s eye: Rembrandt's Aristotle with a Bust of Homer

[@alanlawrence2954]

Paintings don't get much better than this.

[@somerandomname3124]

I managed to see this at the Met around my 5th time there and let me just say Rembrandt is the master of texture over all, thr way he intentionally left globs of paint to show a jewelry and clothing was legitimately amazing as a technique.

[@StormEngineer]

I recently had the honor of visiting Amsterdam, and obviously went to see both Rembrandt's house and his works in the Rijksmuseum, including the Night Watch. Saying he was a genius is an understatement.

[@cartergomez5390]

Wow! It must be fun to go to some other country! I thought they were going to talk about Homer Simpson because that show is very philosophical in nature.

[@byronbuchanan3066]

I gave this video a thumbs up with my proper right hand.

[@williamschlenger1518]

This is my favorite painting at the Met.

[@erisdiscord1618]

I would say that the black paint on the top of the bust of Homer is the cast shadow from the hand.

[@Sasha0927]

Now I know about spectral and raking light. 🙂 I guess my knowledge of Aristotle and Homer could use some touching up, but I'm curious why Rembrandt chose the subjects he did. There's some Rembrandt videos on here being recommended to me, so I anticipate hearing more about his genius. I'm also curious how true it is that his adjustments held so much meaning. Maybe he just said, "this shoulder's ugly," and did whatever he felt was best to adjust, but because we hold him in such esteem, it appears methodical. lol. Looking forward to learning more either way.

[@Sasha0927]

I normally skip videos I've watched, but this was worth seeing again - especially that commentary about taking time to find meaning at the end.

[@rlund651]

Love this one a lot.

[@alexanderalvarado9029]

Lovely

[@thepaulmacfarlane]

and the MEANING of the image? Who's image is on the medallion dangling from the chain? What is Aristotle thinking about?

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Rembrandt didn't always provide a clear narrative. Sometimes he leaves interpretation to the viewer.

[@SalTarvitz]

Some one want to explain how the bust of homer in this painting exists??? It wasn't excavated until 100+ years after rembrandts death. This means either Rembrandt had access to an exact copy OR ,more likely, the bust of homer is a fake.

[@smarthistory-art-history]

There are numerous busts of Homer. I can think of examples in Copenhagen, Naples, Munich, Rome, and London and there are likely more. And of course there are plenty of busts of other significant figures from the ancient world. Rembrandt had plenty to work with.

[@JamesEPowell]

Anyone who loves this painting should read Joseph Heller's Picture This.