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Art History

The Art of Rembrandt and Vermeer (10 credit points)

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

Rembrandt van Rijn and Jan Vermeer, contemporaries in the highly distinctive ‘art world’ of 17th-century Holland, produced some of the greatest paintings of their time, yet their aims and creative processes were very different. As well as studying their careers in depth, the course will use their work, as well as that of some of their Dutch contemporaries, as a focus for understanding the cultural, religious and political context of the period.

Please note, this course includes a visit to Scottish National Galleries.

Course Details

Content of Course

  • The historical and cultural context of the new Dutch republic in the 17th century, and the origins of the modern ‘art world’.
  • The young Rembrandt in Leiden and Amsterdam, 1625-40.
  • Rembrandt’s portraiture, compared to that of his contemporaries.
  • The development of Rembrandt’s religious vision.
  • Rembrandt’s final years, 1658-69.
  • The early work of Vermeer, 1654-60.
  • Visit to National Galleries Scotland to study relevant drawings, etchings and paintings.
  • Vermeer and the Genre Picture.
  • The Art of Describing and the Camera Obscura.
  • Interpreting Vermeer.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course students should be able to:

  • Appreciate the creative achievements of Rembrandt and Vermeer, and their innovative techniques.

  • Interpret the meanings of key works in the context of broader cultural developments of the period.

  • Analyse the formal qualities of 17th-century paintings using appropriate vocabulary.

Sources

Core Readings

Essential

  • Ormiston, R., 2012. Rembrandt. His Life and Works in 500 Images. Lorenz Books.

  • Schneider, N., 2020. Vermeer (Basic Art Series). Taschen.

Recommended:

  • Clark, K., 1978. An Introduction to Rembrandt. London: J. Murray.

  • Schama, S., 1999. Rembrandt’s Eyes. London: Allen Lane.

  • Schwartz, G., 2014. Rembrandt’s Universe: His Art, His Life, His World. London: Thames and Hudson.

  • Alpers, S., 1983. The Art of Describing: Dutch Art in the 17th Century. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

  • Gowing, L., 1952. Vermeer. London: Faber and Faber.

  • Steadman, P., 2002. Vermeer’s Camera: Uncovering the Truth behind the Masterpieces. Oxford: Oxford Paperbacks.

  • Wheelock, A., 1995. Vermeer and the Art of Painting. Newhaven CT: Yale University Press.

Web Sources

www.essentialvermeer.com

www.rembrandtpainting.net

Assessments

10 credit courses have one assessment. Normally, the assessment is a 2000 word essay, worth 100% of the total mark, submitted by week 12. To pass, students must achieve a minimum of 40%. There are a small number of exceptions to this model which are identified in the Studying for Credit Guide.

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.