METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, Aristotle Observing The Bust Of Homer By Rembrandt

The collection of seventeenth-century Dutch paintings is one of the jewels in the Metropolitan’s crown: it is one of the finest in the world, thanks to the presence of five works by Vermeer and some thrilling masterpieces by Rembrandt. This work, Aristotle with a Bust of Homer, exceptionally intense and original, was painted in 1653 for an Italian client, the nobleman from Messina, Antonio Ruffo, who wished to collect a series of idealized portraits of illustrious men from ancient times.

The theme requested was one of a learned, classical culture: the Greek philosopher Aristotle observing a bust of the even more ancient poet Homer. Instead of reproducing a scholarly, historical scene, Rembrandt preferred drawing us into a sentimental maelstrom of memories and presences. In the shadows, drawn out by a grazing light, the mustachioed Aristotle is not dressed in a Greek-style peplos, but in a strange black and white garment with a vaguely exotic appearance, peculiar for the time, embellished with a striking, heavy, gold chain. Under the brim of his velvet hat, we can see a face marked by experience and gratitude, with a moving, yet virile expression. The philosopher’s hand is caressing the bust of the ancient poet, and – as if awakened by this timid yet intense caress – the marble warms up, takes on color and appears to spring to life. Thus, we can today contemplate a painting from the 17^th century, depicting a philosopher from 2000 years ago, engaging in turn with a poet who lived 500 years before him. And we’re all present in the same room: Rembrandt, Aristotle, Homer and ourselves, the visitors, brought together by the very same human nature that transcends centuries and generations....