Titus at his desk 1655

This is Rembrandt van Rijn’s painting of his son, Titus, rendered with oils on canvas. The materiality of oil paint is crucial here, as it allows for the layered application that gives this painting its depth and luminosity. Rembrandt was a master of manipulating this medium, building up thick impasto in some areas to catch the light, and using thin glazes in others to create shadows. The dark background contrasts sharply with Titus's illuminated face, drawing the viewer's eye. The process of painting itself, with its layering of brushstrokes and glazes, mirrors the layering of social context. Rembrandt was working in a time of great economic and social change in the Netherlands, and his paintings often reflect the realities of daily life. By focusing on the material and process of this painting, we gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.