Typically Dutch – that is how many people see Rembrandt and his work. Unlike many other artists of his time, Rembrandt never traveled abroad. 

But don’t be mistaken. You can see a lot of the world in his etchings, from lions, exotic shells and turbans, to mountainous landscapes and Italian buildings. In the Rembrandt & the World exhibition you will travel through more than 40 etchings by Rembrandt from the museum’s collection, etchings that always feature something non-Dutch. Discover where Rembrandt got his knowledge and inspiration from, and how worldly wise (or unworldly?) he actually was. 

Stuff and people
Every 17th-century Amsterdammer knew that the world was bigger than their own neighborhood. Sea trade was booming business. And through the port, things from all over the world came into the city, some bought, others stolen. Rembrandt enjoyed collecting these new, inspiring items. You regularly see these objects in his etchings. 
In Amsterdam there was a great diversity of people on the streets: foreign visitors, international theater companies, traders passing through and of course immigrants from different countries who had made the city their new home. Rembrandt was often inspired by them.

The etchings also show clothes, landscapes, buildings and animals. Rembrandt captured the world he saw, and how!

Do it yourself

You can get started yourself in the first exhibition hall. There you will find exotic shells like Rembrandt drew, and drawing materials. And a few useful drawing tips! Make a drawing of Rembrandt’s shell, or something else that reminds you of the wide world.

You can make your own etching during the summer holidays! In this workshop, give your own twist to an etching from the Rembrandt & the World exhibition. The museum teacher will teach you how to easily recreate Rembrandt’s etchings with, for example, shells, lions, or his own self-portrait with turban and sword. Experiment with Rembrandt’s drypoint technique and print two prints on the large etching press. You can take these home with you afterwards.

Rembrandt and the world, t/m 13 oktober 2024, Museum Rembrandthuis, Jodenbreestraat 4