Shop art print and framed art The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt

The Anatomy Lesson of Doctor Tulp (or The Anatomy Lesson of Doctor Nicolaes Tulp or The Anatomy Lesson of Professor Tulp) is a 169.5 × 216.5 cm oil painting on canvas by Rembrandt, painted in 1632. It is the most famous of Rembrandt's group portraits, along with The Night Watch (1642). The work depicts an anatomical demonstration on the muscles of the arm, by Professor Tulp, in front of assistants animated by curiosity and respectful awe. The Amsterdam Guild of Surgeons was founded in 1552, and the dissection of male cadavers was authorised in 1555. It could only be performed by a praelector appointed by the city. His role was to teach apprentice surgeons by performing a limited number of dissections each year, at least one of which was performed in public in an anatomy theatre. From 1603 (and until 1758), the guild commissioned group portraits of the praelector. These portraits showcased the dignity of the subjects, but in a rather static way. People paid to be portrayed, although the painting remained the property of the guild. In 1632, the Guild of Surgeons asked Hendrick van Uylenburgh (1587-1661), an art dealer and influential figure in Amsterdam, to suggest a painter for the next group portrait. Rather than choose an established painter, Uylenburgh chose a "rising star", Rembrandt. For the young Rembrandt, then aged 26, this was his first major commission, and his first group portrait. He was also the first to introduce movement and a sense of drama (telling a story) [...]

 

This artwork is a painting from the classical period. It belongs to the baroque style.

 

« The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp » is kept at Mauritshuis, The Hague, The Netherlands.

 

Find the full description of The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt on Wikipedia.