The Philosopher

The Philosopher
By: Katie McCabe

The realistic and moody qualities of Rembrandt’s pieces reflected a time period dominated by cultural reform and change. The article entitled, “Rembrandt's ‘Aristotle’: Exemplary Beholder” examines a debate dominating the interpretation of Rembrandt’s painting, Aristotle. Critics and scholars alike argue whether the painting of Aristotle is concentrating on the statue before him or the chain draped across his chest. The argument focuses on whether the painting represents the semblance of classical culture or the affluence of a man.

Rembrandt's Aristotle Contemplating the Bust of Homer

Rembrandt’s Aristotle illustrates not only his interpretation of a man with worldly ideals but also a spirit dominated by the prosperous nature of a new culture. Recognized as one of the most iconic Dutch painters, Rembrandt lived and worked in what became known as the Dutch Golden Age. A period marked by trade, science, art and military success, the Dutch Republic flourished during this time. Rembrandt paints an aging man representative of Aristotle garnished with fine clothes amongst a dark room. A hand is placed on a statue that outlines the shoulders and head of Homer, a literal and philosophical reminder that the mind is a frame to peer through. An idea which is strengthened by the contrast of the background: a dark and windowless room.

However, the object that truly captures the attention of the painted Aristotle is unknown. The eyes and face are casted downwards peering at the statue, but the mind may wander elsewhere. The light is entering from the left side of the painting placing focus both on the statue and the gold chain which is draped across the chest. With his left hand, Aristotle is painted handling the chain in a melancholy manner which is reflected in his face as well.

Both the statue and the chain act as what the author described as “a point of departure for his contemplative activity” (Carroll 39). Aristotle appears not only as a man, but also recognized as a great philosopher by the public. Several of Rembrandt’s other paintings, including St. Paul in Prison and A Scholar in a Room with a Winding Stair, display philosophers engrossed in one’s own contemplative thoughts. Very few paintings during the time period placed the focus on a work of art such as the statue presented in Aristotle. Rather than being the focus of Aristotle in painting, the bust of Homer acts as a bridge between and the chain and strong sense of contemplation.

The gold chain seems to stem from a strong literature theme first conjured by none other than Homer himself. A reference first witnessed in the The Iliad, “using a golden rope, [Zeus] could pull all the other gods up to heaven, though they could not pull him down to earth” (Carroll 48). The gold chain of Homer soon became a semblance of the divine order of the universe. The author also points out the irony associated between “the confrontation between Aristotle, the philosopher of the visible, and the blind, poet Homer” (Carroll 54).

By the end of the article, the themes of wealth and culture represented by each object seemed minute compared to Rembrandt’s humanistic purpose. The contemplative scene in which Aristotle resides is surrounded by an intelligently connected theme that loops the viewer through a labyrinth. Ultimately, the painting examines the limits of human philosophy and imagination.

Work Cited
Carroll, Margaret Deutsch. "Rembrandt's "Aristotle": Exemplary Beholder." Artibus et Historiae.
5.10 (1984): 35-56. Web. 23 Apr. 2012. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1483193.