Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rembrandt—
Belshazzar's Feast
(c. 1635)
Belshazzar, the wicked king of Babylon, has been feasting with God's sacred dinnerware
when the meal is interrupted. The king turns to see the hand of God, burning an ominous
message into the wall that Belshazzar's number is up. As he turns, he knocks over a goblet
of wine. We see the jewels and riches of his decadent life.
Rembrandt captures the scene at the most ironic moment. Belshazzar is about to be
ruined. We know it, his guests know it, and, judging by the look on his face, he's coming
to the same conclusion.
Rembrandt's flair for the dramatic is accentuated by the strong contrast between light
and dark. Most of his canvases are a rich, dark brown, with a few crucial details high-
lighted by a bright light.
Before leaving this room, notice the self-portrait of Rembrandt at age 34, just to the
left. Remember this face.
• Enter the adjoining Room 23.
