Meet my friend Rembrandt
Rembrandt entered the world on 15 July 1606. He was a highly skilled painter, printmaker, and draughtsman. It is estimated that he produced a total of about three hundred paintings, three hundred etchings, and two thousand drawings. He became famous in his lifetime and he is well known 4 centuries later. He was one of the few that managed to be popular while still alive. His paintings, if they were ever to be sold, would fetch eye-watering sums of money.
And you would have thought, what a lucky ducky. What’s not to like? But his personal life was gashed deeply by tragedy. Three out of his four children died quite young and he was then swiftly widowed.
He became friendly with another woman and that was all good and dandy until the housekeeper moved in and then things became very angry, complicated and sad.
And as if that wasn’t enough, he took on a mortgage that was way too huge and outlived his surviving child Titus. Rembrandt died one short year later. A couple of things to draw out of this potted history.
First, the famous, the rich and the glamorous often have another more painful, personal side to them. It is well hidden, for very good reasons, but we must never assume from the outward glitz and gorgeousness, that all is as it appears.
Secondly, the folk who are most damaged and mushed often produce the most outstanding work. From the darkest places, they produce works of outstanding beauty and breathtaking talent. I’m not sure why or how this is so, but I have seen it frequently and rejoiced. Thank you Rembrandt for reminding me that we are all flawed and vulnerable humans. Thank you for reminding me that we are also capable of much.