Rembrandt van Rijn

Visual Arts Dutch 1606 – 1669 319 quotes

Greatest Dutch painter, master of light and shadow

Most quoted

"Of course you will say that I ought to be practical and ought to try and paint the way they want me to paint. Well, I will tell you a secret. I have tried and tried very hard, but I can’t do it. I just can’t do it! And that is why I am just a little crazy."

— from Attributed saying

"I have three regrets in my life: I regret that I have not learned to play the violin, I regret that I have not learned to speak French, and I regret that I have not taken more time to enjoy life."

— from Attributed saying

"The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider’s web."

— from Attributed saying (Picasso)

All quotes by Rembrandt van Rijn (319)

I paint not to earn a living, but to live.

Attributed, emphasizing his intrinsic motivation and passion for art.

My greatest teacher is experience.

Attributed, highlighting his empirical approach to learning and artistic development.

A painting should be felt, not just seen.

Attributed, emphasizing the emotional impact and sensory experience of his art.

I paint the human condition.

Attributed, reflecting his focus on universal themes of life, death, and emotion.

The beauty of art lies in its imperfections.

Attributed, challenging the pursuit of flawless perfection and embracing naturalism.

I am a storyteller with a brush.

Attributed, emphasizing the narrative quality and dramatic impact of his historical and biblical paintings.

The true measure of an artist is their ability to innovate.

Attributed, reflecting his own groundbreaking techniques and stylistic evolution.

I paint to understand the world.

Attributed, suggesting art as a means of exploration and introspection.

The canvas is a window to the soul.

Attributed, highlighting the expressive potential of painting to reveal inner states.

I do not follow trends; I create them.

Attributed, reflecting his independent spirit and influence on subsequent generations of artists.

A painting should be a conversation, not a monologue.

Attributed, suggesting an interactive and engaging experience for the viewer.

The greatest challenge is to paint the invisible.

Attributed, referring to his ability to depict emotions, thoughts, and spiritual states.

To paint is to breathe.

Attributed, emphasizing the essential and life-sustaining nature of art for him.

The past is my teacher, the present my canvas, the future my legacy.

Attributed, reflecting on his artistic journey and enduring impact.

I paint with patience and persistence.

Attributed, highlighting the dedication and meticulousness of his artistic process.

Practice what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know.

Attributed saying

Try to put well in practice what you already know; and in so doing, you will in good time, discover the hidden things you now inquire about.

Attributed saying

Without atmosphere a painting is nothing.

Attributed saying

Life etches itself onto our faces as we grow older, showing our violence, excesses or kindnesses.

Attributed saying

Sincerity is the eventual deception of all great men.

Attributed saying

Contemporaries of Rembrandt van Rijn

Other Visual Artss born within 50 years of Rembrandt van Rijn (1606–1669).