Video No. 6029. English Language Pal VHS.
An Exploration of Art on Film.
The Search For A Genius'.
Directed by Kees van Langeraad.
Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (1606-69) was one of the greatest painters of all time. However, considerable controversy has grown up around the body of work that can unequivocally be attributed to him.
When Cornelis Hofstede de Groot published his pioneering catalogue of 1913 he numbered Rembrandt's oeuvre at 988, but the Rembrandt Research Project, founded in 1968, has now whittled the tally down to less than 150. In this programme that latest techniques of authentication are applied to works said to be by the Master.
His painting and etching techniques are appraised and analysed using on-screen diagrams and comparisons with the work of other artists to highlight Rembrandt's own methods and determine the work of apprentices or copyists. The skills of graphologists are also employed to identify the supposed hallmark of authenticity, the signature, sometimes with unexpected results.
Perceptions of Rembrandt have changed over the centuries, and alongside the more technical examination of his work the various views of the artist himself throughout the ages are also appraised. as well as being a fascinating study of modern scientific techniques, this film presents a comprehensive art-historical view of Rembrandt's work and a reaffirmation of his genius.
