Скачать или смотреть A Unique Silence: Retelling Stories

Rembrandt made religious painting - the subject matter from which western art was born - his own. Through dressing known biblical characters in contemporary clothing and placing them in recognisable surroundings, he transformed these historical scenes into relatable human moments.

Rembrandt was known for including ‘visual puns’ within his work, using physical objects to convey wider meaning. Here the use of the lamp over the nativity represents the sacred significance of the scene, creating a halo like glow around the holy family.

Artists have continued to take inspiration from universal stories in religion, mythology and allegory, creating their own visual representation but including recognised cues so that the viewer understands the story being referenced.

Rembrandt Harmenzoon van Rijn (1606 – 1699)
The Adoration of the Shepherds: with the lamp
1654
Etching
BELUM.U2019.10.4
Donated as part of the Acceptance in Lieu Scheme, 2019