Rembrandt

            Rembrandt's style, subject matter and his financial success changed drastically from the Leiden period to his first Amsterdam period, and eventually to his later works. Prior to his arrival in Amsterdam in approximately 1631, Rembrandt's influences had been his instructor Lastman, his studio mate Lievens, Titian and Caravaggio - indirectly through the school of Utrecht. Rembrandt learned the device of creating chiaroscuro scenes by his professor, but he surpassed the technical skill of Lastman by means of incorporating reflected light. .
             Rembrandt moved from Leiden to Amsterdam during a time of vast economical growth in the capital due to the expansion of the United East Indiies Company. This growth increased Amsterdam's population to over 90,000 which became one reason for the project to reclaim land that had been eroded into the sea. Rembrandt could not have chosen a better time to move to the capital. Amsterdam had become one of Northern Europe's leading Art communities. Within one year Rembrandt had already acquired a reputation as a well known portraitist. Rembrandt's first portraits struck a balance between liveliness and elegance, in addition to fanatical detail, and this novel combination brought him instant business. It was during his first decade in Amsterdam when Rembrandt was commissioned most often by businessmen as well as significant figures from various religious groups and organizations. As Rembrandt's career flourished he attracted many assistants and pupils as he did with Dou and Jouderville in Leiden. By 1636 Rembrandt had captured a huge share of Amsterdam's market for portraiture, received commissions from the court in the Hague, set up an active workshop, married a burgomaster's daughter and moved to a prestigious address. .
             An example of one of Rembrandt's commissioned portraits during this early period is Old Man in a Gorget and Black Cap, 1631, located at The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.