Rembrandt and the Art of Etching:
Prints from the Rembrandt House Museum, Amsterdam
September 28 - December 14, 2003
East Gallery
During the fall of 2003, the Fleming Museum proudly presents the first major exhibition of Rembrandt's
prints to be shown in Vermont. This collection of 115 original prints comes to Burlington from the
Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Fleming Museum is the exclusive U.S. venue
for this exhibition of prints by the world's leading master etcher, Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669).
Rembrandt and the Art of Etching provides a survey of 85 of Rembrandt's most celebrated prints.
It also offers the unique opportunity to view 30 prints by Rembrandt's artistic predecessors,
along with followers from the 17th - 20th centuries who were inspired by his masterful creations.
Rembrandt's prints selected for this exhibition reflect the enormous range of subject matter represented
in his graphic production, including his expressive self-portraits, biblical themes from the Old and New
Testaments, landscapes, allegorical subjects, everyday scenes, nudes, mythological subjects, portraits,
and informal studies. Rembrandt made very personal choices concerning subject matter and techniques
in his etchings, concentrating on human intimacy even when rendering biblical scenes.
Rembrandt's etchings were internationally renowned during his lifetime and were prized by collectors
throughout Europe. He had a thorough knowledge of the work of other etchers and pushed the etching
process in unprecedented ways. Rembrandt used fluid, energetic strokes to produce extraordinarily
expressive lines while constantly experimenting with innovative printing techniques. In combination
with etching he employed the drypoint technique, achieving the rich, velvety black lines that characterize
some of his most famous prints.
Among Rembrandt's celebrated etchings in the exhibition are The Omval (1645), depicting a picturesque bend
in the Amstel River; the loving portrait of his wife, Saskia with Pearls in Her Hair (1634); The Three
Crosses (1653); and his famous Self-Portrait Leaning on a Stone Sill (1639). This rare exhibition offers
Vermont audiences the opportunity to become familiar with the work of one of history's greatest printmakers,
as well as providing an intimate view of 17th-century Holland and some of art history's most venerated
themes.
A rich selection of programs will accompany Rembrandt and the Art of Etching, including an evening lecture,
our Wednesday lunchtime talks series, Sunday films exploring aspects of Rembrandt's life and art,
and special tours of the exhibition. Every Saturday during the exhibition, families can explore
Rembrandt's process and his sources of inspiration in Rembrandt's Cabinet, in the Museum's Activity Room.
Organized by The Rembrandt House Museum, Amsterdam, Rembrandt and the Art of Etching is presented at
the Fleming Museum through the support of the Walter Cerf Exhibitions Endowment Fund and the Institute
of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership, and a lifetime of
learning. We are grateful to the Provost's Office of the University of Vermont for assistance in
publicizing the exhibition to the UVM community, and to the College of Arts and Sciences and the UVM
Art Department for co-sponsoring the accompanying lecture series.
Highlighted Rembrandt Programming Evening Talk
Rembrandt as Printmaker
Bob van den Boogert
Curator,
Museum het Rembranthuis, Amsterdam
Thursday, October 16
7:00 pm
A reception will follow in the Marble Court
Museum Galleries will be open extended hours
4 - 8 pm
Academic Community Reception
Opening Reception for the academic community hosted by Provost John Bramley.
String trio
Students, faculty, and staff of UVM and academic affiliates
free with College ID
Thursday, September 25
5 - 8 pm
Opening Reception
Special Opening Reception for Museum members and the public hosted by
President Fogel and Rachel Kahn-Fogel.
Music from the time of Rembrandt with flute and recorder
Sunday, September 28
4 - 6 pm
Cash bar
Free to Museum members
Special Admission Rates
September 28 - December 14, 2003
Fleming Museum Member: free with membership card
Students, faculty and staff of UVM, Burlington College, Champlain College,
CCV, and St. Michael's College: free with college ID
Student: $5 | Individual: $7 | Senior: (62+): $5
Family (2 adults & 2 children age 7 - 18): $15
Children 6 and under: free
