Über „Successful Aging” hinaus: Rembrandt in seinen Selbstbildnissen

Abstract

The process of aging has been generally associated with cognitive dedine. However, some complex cognitive abilities, such as wisdom and judgement, have been suggested to improve with age. In the current study, the development of an advanced artistic ability is examined over the life span of Rembrandt H. van Rijn. Analysis of the paintings revealed the development of an old-age-style in the last portrait, characterised by uniformity of texture, facture, and lighting. The self-portrait painted in the last year of Rembrandt's life reflects a high degree of integration of artistic skill and experience gathered in the course of life, and hence reflects features of wisdom in the sence suggested by Baltes. The development of a mature "late" style can help to characterise the emergence of qualitatively different and advanced cognitive abilities in old age.

Rembrandt's Late Self-Portraits: Psychological and Medical Aspects

“…Some scholars believe that there is a distinctive "old age style" (Cohen-Shalev;Dietrich, 1999;Held, 1987;Labouvie-vief, 1996;Lindauer, 1992;Munsterberg, 1983;Rosand, 1987;Rosler, Hofmann, Mackenzie, Harris, & Mapstone, 2001) referring to the late works of artists such as Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Titian, Monet, and Cezanne, whereby gaining wisdom in old age underlines the nature of their creation. Kastenbaum (1992), Simonton (1990), and Cohen-Shalev (1989), among others, claim that, although various studies have supported the notion that creative production decreases in the elderly, the outstanding creative achievements of many artists in their last years of life (such as Rembrandt, Titian, and Monet) and the development of a distinct "old age style" supports the notion that artistic ability, which may be at least in part a manifestation of wisdom, can be preserved and even enhanced in the elderly.…”

“…Late-life changes in painting style have generally been evaluated as positive, and not debilitating signs of aging (Cohen-Shalev;Lindauer, 1992;Rosler, et al, 2001). Labouvie-vief (1996), among others, offers that Rembrandt's most impressive work was created in his last decade of life.…”

“…Rembrandt invested so much technically even in the last year of his life, indicating his continuous efforts towards artistic excellence right up to the end. Rosler et al (2001) have recently analyzed Rembrandt's self-portrait dated 1696 which is exhibited in the National Gallery of London. According to their analysis, this painting reveals the development of an old-age style characterized by uniformity of texture and lighting, in contrast to earlier self-portraits, in which there is a clear difference in texture between Rembrandt's face, clothes, and background.…”