Simon Schama's Power of Art
S01E03 Rembrandt
Growing up in a family of millers in Leiden, Rembrandt left school at the young age of 14 to follow his passion for art. This choice proved wise; after completing his apprenticeship in Amsterdam, he caught the attention of Constantijn Huygens, Holland's leading patron. In 1634, he wed Saskia van Uylenburgh, but tragedy struck in 1649 when she passed away from tuberculosis. Soon after, Hendrickje Stoffels joined Rembrandt’s household, and they welcomed a son six years later. Initially celebrated as a portrait artist for Amsterdam's wealthy, Rembrandt also gained fame for his historical and religious works. However, as he began to explore new artistic directions, he fell out of favor, becoming increasingly isolated in the city's art community.