Directed by: Rembrandt

Explore Rembrandt's 7 directional techniques

In Rembrandt’s time, both artists and theatre makers played important roles in sharing stories. Just like a theatre maker brings his audience on a carefully guided experience, Rembrandt did the same with his art. Using various techniques in his compositions, such as hand gestures, light, poses or costumes and attributes, Rembrandt was able to tell a complete story through a static image.

In this exhibition, you initially learn about the theatrical techniques Rembrandt deployed in his work to tell his story. These techniques are introduced through an animation of his famous painting the Night Watch. Then you join Rembrandt in a theatre, and see where he learned these techniques. Finally, you are invited to view three of his masterpieces, in which all of the techniques he used to tell his stories are combined.

Client


Museum Rembrandthuis

Term: 2 March 2024 - 26 May 2024

Year: 2024

Location: Museum Rembrandthuis

rembrandthuis.nl

Photography: Mike Bink

Seven directional techniques

In the upstairs space, you learn about the theatrical techniques Rembrandt deployed in his work to tell his story. Each one of these techniques is highlighted and linked to particular symbols, and shown in an animation of his famous painting the Night Watc

Join Rembrandt in the theatre

After being introduced to the directional techniques, the visitor joins Rembrandt in the theatre. There, the visitor learns more about where Rembrandt learned his techniques – in the world of theatre in 17th-century Amsterdam.

Be a director

Step into the role of director, and practice hand gestures and facial expressions with other visitors. Can you guess what all of the gestures mean?

Slow watching

In the downstairs space, visitors are invited to sit down to view three masterpieces. One of these, the Hundred Guilder Print, is clearly explained using projection, each of the seven directional techniques is highlighted one by one, and in this way the story behind the print is told.