Portrait of Saskia van Uylenburgh: Rembrandt
Every other Monday, Salazar (14 Shades of Grey) and Terri (Meadowtree Style) host Style Imitating Art. Joining them next month is Shelbee (Shelbee on the Edge). For this collaboration, each of the contributors takes turns selecting an inspiration image. They then invite others to interpret that artwork through their style. You can read more about the process on each blog. Terri chose this week’s selection, “Portrait of Saskia van Uylenburgh” by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. You can read more about why she selected this piece on her blog. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
Inspiration Art Work
Isn’t this a gorgeous painting? The subject is Rembrandt’s wife, Saskia. She is the model in many of his works although not always as herself. This portrait was begun prior to her death, but the artist finished it after her death in 1642. Look at all of the gorgeous details and luxe textures. Notice the sprig of rosemary in her hand. Rosemary is for remembrance. I find that small detail so immensely sad and yet so powerful.
About the artist
One of the things I love most about this challenge is discovering new artists or doing a bit of research on a known (to me) artist. For example, I didn’t know Rembrandt was the artist’s first name! I then googled a few other Old Masters to see if they were known by their first names. Most were, but their names were “westernized” for lack of a better term. This is the condensed version. There are so many articles and sites devoted to Rembrandt. I tried to hit the high points! Rembrandt produced many different art works in three different media: painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.
Born in 1606, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn opened his first studio in 1624. He married Saskia in 1634. The couple had four children, three of whom died early in childhood. One son, Titus, survived. Saskia died in 1642 probably from tuberculosis. Rembrandt had relationships with other women, but he never legally married again. Like many of his contemporaries, Rembrandt collected all kinds of art. Unfortunately, Rembrandt, for all of his artistic gifts, was not good at managing money. Eventually, he had to sell his home and a lot of his art collection. That home is now the Rembrandt House Museum. Rembrandt died in 1669 leaving behind hundreds of pieces of art some of which are now disputed as being his.
Rembrandt was the bad boy of his era apparently. It seems for every person who liked his work another loathed it. Some said Rembrandt was the painter of the Dutch Golden Age. Others said he was lazy and couldn’t even draw. Although I don’t think it shows as much in this painting, Rembrandt was known for creating a line of demarcation at the nose, dividing the face or the painting into planes of light and dark. The heavy use of chiaroscuro, a term I remember from my college art classes, is one of Rembrandt’s defining features. Chiaroscuro uses light and shadow which creates drama within the painting as well as giving dimension. I think it also gives lots of movement to the paintings. This effect was the result of using oils rather than tempera which could not be layered.
My Interpretation
Unlike a couple of other SIA challenges (here, here, and here), I knew exactly what I would build my outfit from! I splurged on this Johnny Was cardigan/jacket/wrap (?) a few years ago. It has most of my favorite things: velvet, embroidery, and burgundy! The only thing it doesn’t have? Pockets! The tee (similar) is also from Johnny Was; I purchased it with my birthday reward in the fall. I thought the print of my tee (faux embroidery, florals) gave that moody feeling of baroque paintings.
The Lewk
After looking closely at the portrait, I also knew I had the perfect necklace! This is the Pegasus (in gold) from Stella & Dot. Mine is several years old and was available at that time only as a hostess gift. My daughter sold Stella & Dot for a bit, but I think this was the result of a party I had for a friend. I borrowed the felt fedora from Nigel’s closet. I tried to find some feathers but to no avail! I added these long white topaz earrings (old, old, old from eBay) because I don’t have any long pearl earrings. The ring is also an old eBay find and has a pinkish stone with a heavy setting. I finished my lewk with these fabulous leggings from J Jill. I know they are only available online right now in limited sizes. If you can find them in a store, you won’t be sorry! I added my Suzette boots from L’Artiste to mimic the bracelets and headband.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I truly enjoyed this challenge. I love Rembrandt, Rubens, Caravaggio, and others of that period. I don’t know what it is exactly, but something about their works calls out to me. Maybe it’s the moodiness. Maybe it’s the grandeur of the style and times. I honestly don’t know. As I look at Saskia, I am still haunted by that little sprig of rosemary. Can you imagine the love Rembrandt felt for this woman to include that little sprig? Hopefully, you can and experience it every day! What do you think? Did I do justice to Saskia and her some-might-say-wastrel husband? Are there particular Old Masters you love? Please leave me a comment, and let’s have a conversation. I will respond as soon as possible! As always, thanks to those of you who are subscribed!
Where I frequently link up:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. Please check out these blogs if you haven’t already done so!
I think that velvet jacket is perfect for your painting inspiration!
Thanks, Joanne! I had lots of fun for this look!
This cardigan/jacket is stunning! I love the color and style and it was well worth the splurge. You look amazing in this hat as well!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I wasn’t sure about taking the plunge when I ordered it as there aren’t any Johnny Was stores around me. But, I am so glad I did! I think I need to borrow Nigel’s hat more often!
You look great in a hat and need to borrow that fedora more often! Love thar gorgeous wrap! I truly see the inspiration in your outfit. Well done!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille…it’s a bit big on me though it doesn’t look it in the photos. I think I need to explore buying more of them. I do love this velvet jacket/wrap. I’m glad you think it worked!
This is so perfect. I so recognize that Stella and Dot piece. I have a few myself and almost have gotten that one a few times. I love your interpretation! Thank you for you inspiration.
Isn’t that necklace gorgeous? My daughter had (maybe still has) the gold version, but I’ve always liked silver better. I was so happy when it came out in silver…but it was a hostess gift only at the time. I was hoping it would show up well for the challenge! I think this has been my favorite SIA so far!
Thanks so much for coming by!
That hat is magnificent on you – love that style!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! I think I need to get one of my own! I’ve always loved hats, but they give me such bad hat head. My daughter and I used to visit one of the upscale-ish department stores and try on Easter bonnets! I do love the way they look!
That velvet wrap is nothing short of spectacular Marsha!! I love how it worked so perfectly for the SIA.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks so much, Jodie! I really took a chance when I ordered it because I had no idea of sizing. Luckily, it’s a wrappy kind of jacket so it didn’t need to fit too closely or too loosely. But, I agree…it is spectacular!
Oh love this idea! And you did a great job with your lewk!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Thank you so much, Allie! I had lots of fun creating this lewk!!!
Marsha, what a fun post! You shared lots of different tidbits of Rembrandt info that I didn’t know! The rosemary bit is so haunting and so beautiful. Thank you for sharing that part. I also did not know that Rembrandt was his first name until I started researching for this post! So funny. Now onto your brilliant styling…that Johnny Was cardigan is magnificent and totally worth the splurge. The color is gorgeous and I love all things velvet. Add in some embroidery and it’s just magical! I really like the moodiness of your all of your accessories. And I need those boots in my life!
Shelbee
Yes, Shelbee, you need these boots! They are comfortable, too! My cardigan/wrap/jacket (I don’t know what to call it) has to be one of my most expensive buys, but I’m so glad I bought it! It is even better IRL! And, thank you for the compliments! That is high praise coming from you!!!
Yes, that rosemary hit me hard! And, I felt like such a fool when I realized most of these artists are referred to by their first names. I wonder when we made that change to use last names when referring to an artist.
The jacket is perfect for this SIA challenge. I love your edgy interpretation with the fedora and l’artiste booties. Rembrandt has always been a favorite of mine. His work is amazing!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Oh, Michelle! You have just made my day!! I love to be edgy, but I’m usually just comfy! I knew, when I saw the portrait, this jacket had to be the focus! The fedora was a happy afterthought!
Gorgeous look and very pretty jacket. Wonderful and Lovely Post dear! xoxo
Allurerage
Thetrendybride
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Big admirer of Rembrandt and you’ve certainly done him justice. The textures in your outfit are sublime. I love the extravagance of the rich velvet jacket, and how beautifully it goies with the leggings and boots. With this outfit you’ve created your own masterpiece! Thanks for linking
Thanks, Gail! One of my favorite places in London is the National Portrait Gallery. I am blown away by the art work there. I couldn’t tell you if I saw any Rembrandts there…probably across the square at the other Art Gallery. I almost cried the first time I saw those huge paintings of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I! I’d only ever seen them in books.
Thank you so much…my own masterpiece! I’m going to have wear this outfit again and again!!
WOW WOW WOW Marsha, you look FREAKING GORGEOUS in this outfit! I think this is perhaps my favourite outfit of yours so far. It’s very rock chick and I adore that! Your jewellery is beautiful, especially that necklace. You did brilliantly with this theme.
Hugs
Suzy xx
Oh, Suzy! You have positively made my day! We used to have dress up day at school. I always did some rocker chick! My favorite was 80s Madonna…wore all of the chains and pearls! I love this necklace, but the fabric backing does make it a little itchy so I like to wear it over something!
Thanks so much for making me feel gorgeous, Gorgeous!
I’m loving the hat, the boots, and the velvet jacket. It looks like you’re having so much fun interpreting the master artists’ paintings. Great post! I’m visiting from Link-up Potpourri.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
Welcome! I had a blast with this particular inspiration! The hat was a little bit different for me, but now I’m thinking I need a couple of my own!
Thanks so much for coming by!
I love your vintage bohemian style
Thank you so very much! I try!