Students across university campuses are well acquainted with the feeling of a late-night study session, especially as finals approach. While working by candlelight has fallen out of favor for most, the electric lamps of the library arguably create a similar effect of dramatic light and shadow. An intensity crosses the brow of the singular figure as he looks up from his books and out at the viewer. Perhaps the student is pausing to contemplate his studies, or instead, wondering if he should go to bed. Perhaps it looks familiar to you? We wish all our BYU students the best of luck as they prepare for finals.
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn was a prolific Dutch Golden Age master of painting and printmaking known for his incredible ability to capture human features and the complexities of light. His superb etching skill is apparent in the atmospheric quality of this relatively small and simple print.
Guest author curatorial fellow: Katy Turner
