In our second video from 'Leiden circa 1630: Rembrandt Emerges', we discuss Jan Lievens and Rembrandt, who were close associates and friendly rivals in Leiden. They shared models, worked on similar subjects and challenged themselves to outdo each other. Rivalry between artists was considered to be a positive force, motivating each to improve their craft–as opposed to destructive envy. The rivalry between Lievens and Rembrandt drove each to develop and experiment as artists.
Image featured: Jan Lievens, Man Singing, c. 1624. Oil on panel. Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Queen’s University, Kingston. Gift of Alfred and Isabel Bader, 1991 (34-020.06).
Leiden circa 1630: Rembrandt Emerges was curated by Dr. Jacquelyn N. Coutré, organized and circulated by the Agnes Etherington Art Centre at Queen’s University, with the support of the Isabel and Alfred Bader Fund of Bader Philanthropies, Inc. and the Government of Canada.