St. Paul at his Writing Desk (1629 – 1630) by Rembrandt

St. Paul at his Writing Desk - Rembrandt - 1629 - 1630

Artwork Information

TitleSt. Paul at his Writing Desk
ArtistRembrandt
Date1629 - 1630
Mediumoil
Dimensions39 x 47 cm
Art MovementBaroque
Current LocationGermanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg, Germany

About St. Paul at his Writing Desk

“St. Paul at his Writing Desk” is an oil painting created by Rembrandt between 1629 and 1630, during the artist’s early period. The artwork, measuring 39 x 47 cm, exemplifies the Baroque style with its dramatic use of light and shadow. It is a religious painting, depicting the apostle Paul, and is currently held at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg, Germany.

The artwork captures a contemplative moment of St. Paul, immersed in his scholarly and spiritual work. The figure of the saint is cloaked in a voluminous, dark robe with folds that are skillfully illuminated by the diffused light entering the scene. The warm tones and dramatic chiaroscuro are characteristic of Rembrandt’s approach to highlighting the textures and depths of his subjects. St. Paul is shown with a long beard and balding head, indicators of wisdom and age, and his face is partly in shadow, adding to the thoughtful ambiance of the composition. In his right hand, he holds a quill, poised as if about to resume his writing, while his left hand rests gently on an open book.

The background of the artwork is subdued, with a large sword hanging on the wall—an attribute typically associated with St. Paul, symbolizing his martyred death. The nuances of the scene contribute to an intimate portrayal that not only demonstrates Rembrandt’s command over the interplay of light and shadow but also showcases his ability to convey psychological depth and human emotion in his religious subjects.

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