Satire on Art Criticism

Description

Satire on Art Criticism by Rembrandt turns the act of judging pictures into a pointed little drama. A self-important connoisseur receives painted portraits while onlookers gather around him, their gestures giving the scene a lively, theatrical energy.

Made in 1644 with pen and brown ink, the drawing adapts elements of the classical subject The Calumny of Apelles. Rembrandt replaces its allegorical victim with pictures under judgment, directing his wit toward the performance of artistic authority.