If you’ve ever thought that you literally couldn’t live without Rembrandt, you’re in luck: next month Amsterdam’s Rembrandt House Museum will feature tattoos straight from the Dutch master’s work. From June 19 to 25, The poor man’s Rembrandt project will charge €100 to €250 (~$109 to $272) per pop for permanent images of the artist’s self-portraits, engraving subjects, and 17th-century building facades.
Rembrandt van Rijn was a celebrity in his day and remains one of the best-known artists of the Dutch Golden Age. He lived in the current Rembrandt House Museum from 1639 to 1658, when the artist declared bankruptcy in the midst of growing debts and moved to a less expensive part of Amsterdam. Rembrandt died just over 10 years later in 1669. The museum features a collection of the artist’s paintings, drawings and prints, and contains studios where visitors can observe daily painting and printmaking demonstrations.
“Rembrandt not only lived and worked there, but also taught his students,” said museum director Milou Halbesma. Guardian. “We want to work in our new studio space with Dutch artists to connect with the public.” (The museum reopened in March after four months of expansion and renovation.)
Halbesma also said the tattoo project could help the institution appeal to younger audiences, an issue she described as “every museum’s challenge”.
Four tattoo artists have been selected for the upcoming project, including 71-year-old Henk Schiffmacher, who has achieved celebrity status in the field and is widely considered an expert (he’s also wrote a book on the history of tattoos). Schiffmacher – who goes by the name Hanky Panky – runs a shop with fellow tattoo artist and painter Tycho Veldhoen, who will work alongside Schiffmacher on the museum initiative. Artists Rupa van Teylingen and Timothy John Englisch, two contributors to Schiffmacher and Veldhoen’s shop, will also be part of the project.
“We are all big fans of Rembrandt,” said Englisch Hyperallergicpointing out that Rembrandt’s printmaking medium is similar to tattoo art.
“The loose and quick way he was able to draw something in a few lines is just amazing,” Englisch said. “And his paintings are full of real emotion and beautiful high contrast with light and dark.”
“You can just smell it,” Englisch continued. “A picture of her doesn’t do her justice. You can only see a Rembrandt standing in front. He is a true master and we feel honored to work in his former home and workplace.
Appointments are now open and visitors can book a session with the tattoo artist of your choice.
