As part of my Columbus Day weekend therapy to try to erase the bad memory of the Phillies, your Center City Correspondent and Mrs. CCC went to the Art Museum to view the special exhibit Rembrandt and the face of Jesus. Rembrandt, a Dutch painter in the 17th century was a very religious man, painting numerous pictures of the life of Christ. He humanized Jesus, eliminating the saintly look and halo, and painting him more like a prophet or ascetic. He used local models among the Jewish population of Amsterdam, dressing them in plain robes, making Jesus appear to more human than God-like. The exhibit also explained how Rembrandt did his etchings on copper plates, and was able to recreate his masterpieces over and over. Very enlightening and entertaining. Two of my favorites works were Christ at dinner in Emmaus and Jesus preaching to the children.
The exhibit comes to Philadelphia from the Louvre museum in Paris, and for me, could not come at a better time. With all the recent turmoil in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, my faith in the church and the hierarchy has been shaken to its 60-year core. (I’d better tread lightly here; Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for the same thing.) But my faith in Jesus has not been shaken, in fact I feel that it’s stronger because I’ve cut out the middlemen. Seeing the devotion that Rembrandt put into his artwork helps make that bond stronger. Like I said, therapy.
The exhibit runs through October 30th. It may not be for everyone, but if you want a look at a real Dutch Master this is a great way to see it. Check out the link below for more info.
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