Generally regarded as the greatest of the Dutch Masters
Generally regarded as the greatest of the Dutch Masters, Rembrandt created hundreds of paintings, etchings, and drawings during his long career. His paintings have been loved for centuries and are often recognizable by their distinctive use of light and shadow. Despite his success as an artist, Rembrandt experienced tragedy, disappointment, and failure in his life. Eight years after their marriage, his 30-year-old wife Saskia died of tuberculosis, after bearing four children, three of whom died in infancy. Several years after her death Rembrandt entered into a common law marriage wit h his housekeeper Hendrickje Stoffels, who later gave birth to a daughter Cornelia, the only one of Rembrandt’s children who outlived him. Henrickje died of the plague at age 34. Even though his teaching and art brought him wealth during his life, Rembrandt continually lived beyond his means. By age 50 he was bankrupt and was forced to sell his home and possessions, including much of his artwork. He died i...