Portret van Rembrandt van Rijn 1812 - 1869

This is a portrait of Rembrandt van Rijn, made by Jacques Etienne Pannier, likely in France, sometime in the 19th century. The image presents us with a Romantic vision of the artist. We see Rembrandt in his painterly guise, his brow furrowed in thought, seemingly caught in a moment of creative inspiration. But why Rembrandt, and why then? In 19th century France, artistic and cultural institutions were busy constructing a national artistic identity, a lineage of great artists. By choosing Rembrandt, Pannier taps into an existing narrative of artistic genius. The etching creates a sense of familiarity and reverence for the Dutch master, solidifying his place in the canon of art history. To understand this image fully, we need to investigate the printmaking industry of 19th century France, and the institutions that promoted certain artists over others. These are the kinds of questions that reveal the complex interplay between art, culture, and power.