The Jewish Bride c. 1665 - 1669

Rembrandt van Rijn created “The Jewish Bride” using oil paints, a traditional medium for his time. However, it’s the way he applied these paints that gives this artwork its distinctive character. Notice the thick, almost sculptural application of pigment, particularly in the man's golden sleeve. This impasto technique, achieved with brushes and palette knives, not only catches the light but also imbues the painting with a tangible, tactile quality. The rough texture contrasts with the smoother rendering of the figures' faces, drawing attention to the materials themselves. Rembrandt’s approach was revolutionary because it challenged the traditional notion of painting as pure illusion. Instead, he foregrounded the materiality of his medium, acknowledging the labor involved in its creation. This focus on the physical presence of the artwork invites us to consider the broader context of artistic production, and the relationship between skilled work and aesthetic expression.