“The Polish Rider” depicts a young man traveling on horseback through a dark and gloomy landscape. It is not known whether the painting was a portrait of a particular person, living or historical, or the story it represents. There is also some uncertainty about who is the artist of this painting. However, the quality of the art and complex expression on the Rider’s brilliantly painted face all point to Rembrandt, and that is the most considerable consensus of the experts.
The identity of the portrayed figure has encouraged various theories, but no clear answer. The rider’s outfit, his weapons, and even the breed of the horse are believed to be eastern European. The young Rider appears to be facing potential danger in the mountainous landscape. Some historical and biblical characters have been suggested. The most interesting speculation is that the figure is an idealistic representation of a “soldier of Christ,” meaning a soldier defending Eastern Europe against the Turks.
Rembrandt
Rembrandt van Rijn was an innovative and prolific master draughtsman, painter, and printmaker. He is generally considered one of the greatest visual artists in the history of art and the most important in Dutch art history. Rembrandt’s works depict a range of styles and subjects, from portraits and self-portraits to landscapes, genre scenes, allegorical and historical scenes, biblical and mythological themes as well as animal studies.
The Polish Rider
- Title: The Polish Rider
- Polish: Lisowczyk
- Artist: Rembrandt
- Created: 1655
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Periods: Dutch Golden Age, Baroque
- Dimensions: 116.8 × 134.9 cm (46 × 53.1 in)
- Museum: Frick Collection
Rembrandt
- Name: Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn
- Born: 1606 – Leiden, Dutch Republic (now the Netherlands)
- Died: 1669 (aged 63) – Amsterdam, Dutch Republic (Netherlands)
- Nationality: Dutch
- Movement: Dutch Golden Age, Baroque
- Notable works:
- The Polish Rider
- The Night Watch
- The Jewish Bride
- The Raising of Lazarus
- Christ and the Woman of Samaria
- Self Portrait at the Age of 63
- Wide-Eyed Self-Portrait
- Belshazzar’s Feast
- The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp
- Two Old Men Disputing
- Philosopher in Meditation
- The Woman Taken in Adultery
- Susannah and the Elders
- The Return of the Prodigal Son
- The Prodigal Son in the Brothel
Explore the Frick Collection
- “Saint Francis in the Desert” by Giovanni Bellini
- “Sir Thomas More” by Hans Holbein the Younger
- “Portrait of Thomas Cromwell” by Hans Holbein the Younger
- “Saint Jerome as Scholar” by El Greco
- “The Polish Rider” by Rembrandt
- Frick Collection
Reflections
- Who is the Rider in this painting?
- Do you agree with the consensus that Rembrandt is the artist?
Rembrandt van Rijn Quotes
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“A painting is complete when it has the shadows of a god.”
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“Practise what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know.”
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“Life etches itself onto our faces as we grow older, showing our violence, excesses, or kindnesses.”
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“A painting is finished when the artist says it is finished.”
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“An honest man always values earning honor over wealth.”
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“Without atmosphere, a painting is nothing.”
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“Painting is the grandchild of Nature.”
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“Practice what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know.”
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“A painting is not made to be sniffed.”
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“Old age is a hindrance to creativity but cannot crush my youthful spirit.”
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“Practise what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know.”
– Rembrandt Van Rijn
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Photo Credit 1) Rembrandt [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
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