Belshazzar’s Feast

Belshazzar’s Feast is an oil painting by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn, created in 1635. The painting depicts King Belshazzar of Babylon, who is seen throwing a lavish banquet while being warned of his impending doom by a ghostly handwriting on the wall. The painting is celebrated for its dramatic contrast of light and shadow, and the eerie glow of the candlelight that illuminates the king’s face and the objects on the table.

Rembrandt was a prolific painter and is widely considered one of the greatest Dutch painters of all time. Some of his other famous oil paintings include The Night Watch (1642), Portrait of Jan Six (1654), and Aristotle with a Bust of Homer (1653). The Night Watch is an iconic painting that depicts a group of Dutch militia guards, while Portrait of Jan Six portrays the Dutch politician and art collector. Finally, Aristotle with a Bust of Homer features the ancient Greek philosopher holding a bust of his literary hero, Homer.

Rembrandt’s work is revered for its use of light and shadow, and his exceptional skill at capturing the subtleties of human expression. In addition to his paintings, Rembrandt was also known for his etchings and drawings. He left behind an extensive body of work that continues to be studied and appreciated by art lovers around the world.