The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp

1632

Rembrandt was twenty-five when he was asked to paint the Amsterdam surgeons. This painting is of Dr Nicolaes Tulp giving an anatomy lesson to his medical students using a cadaver. Even today, cadavers are used to teach medical students anatomy.

Study the painting for five minutes. Look at each individual and their facial expression. Afterward, without looking, describe as much of the painting as you can.