Online assignment- Week 5

1. Describe the portrait of the fur merchant. Why is he “the business man’s hero”?

It is a portrait of Nicolaes Ruts, a business man in the trade of fur. His right hand lends on a counter top while in his left hand he holds a piece of paper out, almost if he is making a deal with the observer. In the portrait he is wearing the fur, which is a stroke of genius. The fur captivates the eye of the observer, it appears that a hand has just passed though it. The eye of Nicolaes is very sharp and gives a vibe of a impatient intelligence, almost like the observer is being graced by his very presence. The pink eyelids along with the bags under his eyes combine to give Nicolaes the sense of loss of sleep.

I believe he is the business man's hero because he is an idle. He is what all business men wish they could be. Wearing the most luxurious clothes of the period, in this case fur, a successful trader, hardworking and honest.


2. What is the mood of the portrait of the 83 yr old woman?

The mood that Rembrant creates with this old woman is a mood of resignation. To me this portrait does not appear sad or sympathetic. It appears that this woman has come to terms with her age and has resigned to her fate. Her mouth creates not a smile or a frown, the eye staring at ground, creates this sense.

3. What is Rembrandt communicating in his painting of Sampson & Delilah?

Rembrant is creating a message of vulnerability. Tying the inseparable lovers together in their final moments. While also creating the sense of betrayal, the men in the background approaching the helpless couple with weapons drawn.