Rembrandt van Rijn

• Rembrandt was born into a prosperous family in Leiden, the Netherlands. He received a solid education and initially studied Latin and the humanities before turning to art.
• He began his artistic journey by studying with local artists, including Jacob van Swanenburgh and Pieter Lastman. His early works were influenced by the dramatic use of light and shadow, which would become a hallmark of his style.
• In 1631, Rembrandt moved to Amsterdam, which was the thriving artistic center of the Dutch Golden Age. There, he established a successful studio and gained recognition as a portraitist and painter of biblical and historical scenes.

Notable Works

• The Night Watch
• The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp
• Self-Portrait with Two Circles
• The Jewish Bride

Financial Struggles

• Despite his artistic success, Rembrandt faced financial troubles in his later years, ultimately declaring bankruptcy in 1656. He lost much of his fortune, including his art collection and house, but continued to work.

Peter Paul Rubens

• Rubens received formal artistic training in Antwerp and then traveled to Italy, where he was deeply influenced by the works of Renaissance masters like Titian and Michelangelo. This Italian sojourn had a profound impact on his artistic style.
• After his Italian journey, Rubens returned to Antwerp and quickly gained recognition as a talented and versatile artist. He set up a bustling studio and workshop, where he produced numerous paintings and employed many assistants to help meet the high demand for his work.
• In addition to his artistic talents, Rubens was involved in diplomacy. He served as a diplomat for various European courts and was able to use his diplomatic skills to further his career as a painter, gaining commissions from royal and noble patrons.

Notable Works

• The Garden of Love
• The Descent from the Cross
• The Three Graces
• The Judgment of Paris

Diplomat

• Rubens played a pivotal role in negotiating peace between England and Spain, effectively bringing an end to the Anglo-Spanish war in 1630. Rubens' diplomatic acumen was so impressive that he received knighthood not once, but twice, from both Philip IV of Spain and Charles I of England as a recognition of his valuable contributions to diplomacy. This unique combination of artistic genius and diplomatic finesse highlights the depth and versatility of his accomplishments.

Caravaggio

• Caravaggio was born on September 29, 1571, in Milan, Italy. Little is known about his early life, but he is believed to have received artistic training in Milan.
• In the early 1590s, Caravaggio moved to Rome, where he quickly gained recognition and patrons. His work often featured biblical and mythological themes, and his art was characterized by its bold, almost confrontational realism.
• Caravaggio's paintings were often controversial due to their explicit and gritty portrayal of human subjects. His depictions of religious figures in everyday settings challenged traditional norms in art.
• Caravaggio's distinctive style, combined with his provocative subject matter, garnered him both admirers and critics. He received commissions from important figures and the Catholic Church, but his behavior, which included brawls and legal troubles, also brought him notoriety.

Notable Works

• The Calling of Saint Matthew
• Bacchus
• Judith Beheading Holofernes
• The Supper at Emmaus

Notorious Lifestyle

• Caravaggio had a reputation for a volatile and often aggressive personality. He was involved in several physical altercations and street fights, some of which led to serious injuries and legal charges. His confrontations often arose from personal disputes, gambling debts, or other altercations.