To scientifically measure Rembrandt’s palette

To find patterns throughout his lifetime

To comment on the life of a great artist

scan Rembrandt’s paintings

write a computer program to measure red/green/blue (RGB) values for each pixel in Rembrandt’s paintings

write a computer program to convert the levels of RGB to hue/ saturation/value (HSV)

The Baroque Period The later period of the Renaissance (1600-1750)

Dynamic look Use of strong diagonals Clashing light and shadows

Rembrandt Early years of happiness Saskia Relative success

Tobit and Anna 1626

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First Self-Portrait 1929

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Self Portrait in an Oriental Costume

with a Dog1631

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Anatomy Lesson with Dr. Tulp

1632

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Self Portrait with Saskia

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Known as transitional years 1640-1648

Some interesting effects• Winter Scene• Christ at Emmaus

– Very end of transition– Softness

Subtler effects Less contrast in value Less saturation

Winter Scene1646

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Christ at Emmaus

1648

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the next phase Movement towards classicism

Maturity Appreciation of subtleties Never fully classical Softer

• Inner turbulence• Inner calm

Self Portrait1650

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Self Portrait1652

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The Polish Rider1655

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A Late Self-Portrait1656

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The Prodigal Son1669

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Value (in Percent)

Baroque Dramatic darks/lights

Two peaks in value Brilliance

Higher mean saturation

Transition Interesting effects

Classicism Integrated darks/lights

Dark peak in value Subtle color

Lower saturation

Consistencies Warm paintings

Small range of hues• concentration around red• Violet/blue outliers

Low saturation Subtleties in color Generally below 60%

Smooth value curve