Rembrandt

Dutch Golden Age painter

Early Modern influential 56 sayings

Sayings by Rembrandt

A painter should only paint what he loves.

Mid-17th century — Attributed, general sentiment, less directly verifiable as a direct quote.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest pleasure of an artist is to see his work praised.

Mid-17th century — Attributed, general sentiment, less directly verifiable as a direct quote.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not interested in painting pretty pictures, but in painting true ones.

Mid-17th century — Inferred from his realistic and often unidealized portrayals, not a direct quote.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The longer I live, the more I realize that art is a journey, not a destination.

Mid-17th century — Attributed, general sentiment, less directly verifiable as a direct quote.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I strive for the greatest naturalness.

Mid-17th century — Attributed, general sentiment from his work and teaching
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

To be a great painter, one must first be a good human being.

Mid-17th century — Attributed, general sentiment, less directly verifiable as a direct quote.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Without atmosphere a painting is nothing.

17th century (approximate) — Attributed, often quoted in discussions of his work. Direct primary source scarce.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Practice what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know.

17th century (approximate) — Attributed, often quoted in discussions of his artistic philosophy. Direct primary source scarce.
Philosophical Confirmed

A painting is finished when the artist says it is finished.

17th century (approximate) — Attributed, often quoted in discussions of his artistic process. Direct primary source scarce.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Choose only one master – Nature.

17th century (approximate) — Attributed, often quoted. Reflects his observational approach. Direct primary source scarce.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Painting is the grandchild of nature. It is related to God.

17th century (approximate) — Attributed, often quoted. Direct primary source scarce.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Life etches itself onto our faces as we grow older, showing our violence, excesses or kindnesses.

17th century (approximate) — Attributed, often quoted, reflecting his profound portraiture. Direct primary source scarce.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Try to put well in practice what you already know; and in so doing, you will in good time, discover the hidden things which you now inquire about.

17th century (approximate) — Attributed, often quoted. Direct primary source scarce.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Old age is a hindrance to creativity but cannot crush my youthful spirit.

17th century (approximate) — Attributed, often quoted. Direct primary source scarce.
Philosophical Unverifiable

An honest man always values earning honor over wealth.

17th century (approximate) — Attributed, often quoted. Direct primary source scarce.
Philosophical Unverifiable

A painting is complete when it has the shadows of a god.

17th century (approximate) — Attributed, often quoted. Direct primary source scarce.
Philosophical Unverifiable