Rembrandt Use Of Light In Baroque Art

The Baroque period encompasses many distinct styles due to the religious tension between the Protestants and Catholics. Through their baroque paintings, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn and Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio were among the many artists to have different interpretations of the baroque style due to whether they lived in the north or south. Rembrandt’s Return of the Prodigal Son and Caravaggio’s The Entombment both show biblical scenes. However, the impacts of their paintings are quite different due to the use of light. Although both works of art have a religious influence and were painted during the baroque period, they differ in the way light is used to highlight different aspects of the paintings. Rembrandt’s use of light portrays a sense of reserve and ambience. On the other hand, Caravaggio’s harsh use of light puts a spotlight on the characters and creates a dramatic tone for the painting.
Living in the northern part of Europe during the 17th century, Rembrandt was exposed to the Protestant view of Baroque art. This difference in style formed after the divide of the Catholic and Protestant Churches. Out of this split arose the Protestant Reformation and the northern style of Baroque art. Instead of
The son, dressed in ragged clothing, kneels before his old father after returning from hardship due to wasting his inheritance. Surrounded by his brother and servants, he begs for forgiveness and mercy as he leans his bald head into his father’s expensive garments. The father’s hands placed gently on the son’s back portray a sense of comfort and compassion toward the son. His brother stands in the shadows with his hands crossed clearly judging his outcast brother and questioning the unconditional love given by the father. The other servants are barely visible in the shadows but have a sense of relief to see their master’s son has returned