St Bartholomew (1661)

In 1661 Rembrandt portrayed five apostles. This is St Bartholomew, who can be recognized by the knife in his hand. Rubens also showed the knife in his portrait of Bartholomew.

Rembrandt may have used a neighbour to pose as the model. The man appears pensive, almost lost in thoughts. He is dressed in a 17th century outfit.

Rembrandt applied the impasto technique on this canvas: thick layers of paint, carved with a palette knife. That made the apostle's forehead literally deeply lined.

In 1657 Rembrandt also made a portrait of St. Bartholomew.

Rembrandt's 1661 apostles series:

• Bartholomew
• James the Elder
• Matthew
• Paul (self portrait)
• Simon