Interior wall featuring information about Rembrandt's exhibition titled 'Masterpieces in Black and White'. Includes a large illustration of Rembrandt's face alongside text discussing his etchings and their impact.

Ken and I made a return visit to the Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati to view another of their excellent exhibitions, Rembrandt Masterpieces in Black and White. This wonderful traveling exhibition focuses on Rembrandt’s prints and is organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Rembrandt House Museum, Amsterdam. After stops at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in the UK and Gibbes Museum of Art Charleston, SC, the exhibition will remain at the Taft through May 17th before heading to the Naples Art Institute in Naples.FL.

Our interest in Rembrandt prints began 50 years ago in Texas, where we loved visitng the Kimball Art Museum in Fort Worth. Inspired by the 17th century prints on display, Ken spent lots of free time in the museum’s art library reading and learning about prints and printmakers of this era with special permission of the museum. One day while scrounging through McKinney Avenue antique shops in Dallas, he saw a small etching (in a cheap black plastic frame) that reminded him of those 17th century prinkmakers’ works. He thought it was pretty cool, and for the asking price of $10 (“you’re really paying for the nice frame…”), he bought it.

The more Ken looked at the print, the more he felt it might “be something.” He spent more time at the Kimball and also consulted with the Dallas Museum of Art. Sure enough, he found the image in the Rembrandt catalog as “Landscape with a Cow Drinking!” After we had the work authenticated by a Sotheby “road show” in Fort Worth, we respectfully reframed the piece and have treasured it ever since!

A person holding a framed artwork featuring a landscape scene with a small house and trees.
Landscape With A Cow Drinking

When I saw the Taft Museum’s Facebook post about the Rembrandt exhibition in my feed, I knew we would enjoy the experience – and we certainly did! Here are some of our favorite elements.

Text panel describing Rembrandt's biblical scenes and his mastery of visual storytelling.
An etching depicting a group of people gathered around a sickbed in a rustic setting, with expressions of concern and care.
An informational plaque describing Rembrandt's etching 'The Adoration of the Shepherds: With the Lamp' from 1654, highlighting its significance in illustrating stories about Jesus's childhood.
An art gallery wall displaying a large illustration of a seated character in period clothing, next to framed drawings. The text on the wall discusses Rembrandt's approach to character creation.
An etching of an elderly man with a long beard wearing an ornate hat and a fur collar, showcasing intricate details and textures.

“Bearded Man in a Velvet Cap with a Jewel Clasp” is a detailed etching of a bearded man wearing a luxurious, fur-trimmed garment and an ornate hat. the portrait captures his stoic expression.

The exhibition also included an excellent video on the printmaking process, a vitrine filled with tools and materials of the trade.

Display case featuring various etching tools and materials used in the etching process, with an instructional panel below. A video screen in the background shows an artist performing etching techniques.

Also displayed were two of Rembrandt’s actual etched copperplates. Pictured below are the plate and accompanying etching, “The Returnn of the Prodigal son.”

An informational plaque describing Rembrandt's etching 'The Return of the Prodigal Son' from 1636, detailing the biblical parable and the scene depicted.
An illustration depicting a dramatic scene with a man kneeling before another in a moment of recognition or forgiveness, surrounded by onlookers. The artwork features intricate details and expressions reflecting deep emotions.
Information plaque for Rembrandt's etching plate titled 'The Return of the Prodigal Son', created in 1636. It highlights the use of different etching tools and techniques.
An engraved copper plate depicting a dramatic scene, featuring a figure embracing another in a moment of emotional intensity, with additional characters in the background.

My favorite work on display that was inspired by Rembrandt was the Pablo Picasso etching, “Rembrandt and Heads of Three Women”, 1934.

Informational plaque titled 'Inspired by Rembrandt', discussing the popularity of his prints and the Etching Revival that lasted until around 1940.
An abstract drawing featuring multiple stylized faces, swirling lines, and textured patterns, signed at the bottom right.
Cover of a booklet titled 'Rembrandt: Masterpieces in Black & White' featuring prints from the Rembrandt House Museum.

If you enjoy Rembrandt’s prints, the exhibition at the Taft Museum of Art is not to be missed! While there, definitely pick up the booklet from the American Federation of Arts with additional information on the artist’s life and impact and a listing of all works in the exhibition. To discover how Rembrandt signed his name in the mirror image copperplate and how plates were reworked and reused, you might enjoy Rijksmuseum‘s “10 Things to Know About Rembrandt’s Etchings.”

I am not a painter, I am a storyteller.
Rembrandt van Rijn,1606-1669

Written by

sallymcw

One thing that makes my journey unique is that all of my interests are driven by a joyful and genuine curiosity. I delight in finding less expensive ways to make something or creative ways to enjoy something longer. Finding and creating joy - and sharing it - is core to who I am.