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Aristotle with a Bust of Homer by Rembrandt

Aristotle with a Bust of Homer

Rembrandt · 1653

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“Stop to consider this intriguing painting of Aristotle contemplating a bust of Homer. The interplay of light and shadow, along with the philosopher's pensive expression, invites you to ponder the weight of history and thought.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

A man in a rich, dark robe, a gold chain draped across his chest, stands in contemplation before a sculpted bust. This is Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, deep in thought as he gazes at Homer, the legendary poet. Painted in 1653 for a Sicilian nobleman, the canvas is imbued with a mysterious tone, inviting viewers to ponder what occupies Aristotle's mind. The artist used a limited palette and varied brushstrokes, from the luminous gold chain that seems to shimmer with its own light to the subtle shadows that obscure Aristotle's eyes, hinting at the depth of his internal world. The painting captures a moment of quiet reflection, exploring themes of wisdom, legacy, and the passage of time through the interaction between these two towering figures of antiquity.

DETAILS
Artist
Rembrandt
Date
1653
Medium
Oil on canvas
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
56 1/2 x 53 3/4 in. (143.5 x 136.5 cm)
Collection
European Paintings
Credit line
Purchase, special contributions and funds given or bequeathed by friends of the Museum, 1961
ART MOVEMENTS
Dutch Golden Age painting
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Pick one and we’ll show you exactly where to look.

Aristotle with a Bust of Homer

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01

Shadowed face

The man's face is lit softly beneath his hat brim, with the eyes partly in shadow. His gaze is directed downward and away, and his expression is thoughtful and hard to read.

1 of 5 on the painting
02

Hand on Homer

Look at the hand resting on the bust's curly head. The touch looks gentle, almost tender, as if he were greeting an old friend.

2 of 5 on the painting
03

The lit bust

The pale bust of Homer glows warm gold against the dark wall. His bearded face is turned away from the man who studies him, and his features are softly worn and blank.

3 of 5 on the painting
04

The gold chain

A heavy gold chain slides across the black vest and loops down toward his hip. It is often read as a reference to a gift from Alexander the Great, Aristotle's pupil, though the painting does not spell this out.

4 of 5 on the painting
05

Thick white sleeve

The billowing sleeve is built from thick, loose strokes of cream and gray paint. Up close it looks rough, yet from a distance it reads as soft, heavy fabric.

5 of 5 on the painting
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THE ARTIST

Rembrandt

1606–1669 · Dutch Republic

Rembrandt painted ~40 self-portraits across his life, creating history's most intimate visual autobiography.

Read Rembrandt’s full story
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