Rembrandt's Anatomy Lesson: a group in motion
The Mauritshuis currently lists The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp (1632) in Gallery 9.
The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp is on display in Gallery 9. Rembrandt painted the large group portrait in 1632, shortly after moving from Leiden to Amsterdam. The canvas measures 169.5 by 216.5 centimetres and has inventory number 146.
The commission followed an anatomy lesson given by Nicolaes Tulp in January 1632. Rembrandt was about 25 years old. Amsterdam's surgeons' guild had organised such demonstrations since 1555; in Rembrandt's day they took place in the Waag.
Rembrandt did not arrange the surgeons in a stiff row. Each looks in a different direction as Tulp leads the demonstration. The strong contrast of light and dark adds movement to the group. The painting established Rembrandt's reputation as a portraitist.
The dissection took place in winter. The cold helped limit unpleasant smells during the demonstration.
After belonging to Amsterdam's surgeons' guild and its widows' fund, the painting entered the Mauritshuis in 1828. The Dutch state acquired it for 32,000 guilders.
The Mauritshuis is at Plein 29 in The Hague. It opens 1–6 pm on Mondays and 10 am–6 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is €21 for adults and free for visitors aged 18 or under. The museum recommends booking online because it may be busy.