Jewish Rembrandt

In past centuries the romantic myth has arisen that Rembrandt had a special bond with Jews. In his paintings and etchings people sometimes even saw traces of Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah). Those living in Rembrandt's immediate environment, Amsterdam's Jewish neighbourhood, were said to be his inspirational source for many drawings and portraits. But is this image of a 'Jewish' Rembrandt accurate? Now it has been established that only a few works are about Jews or have Jewish themes. Even his famous painting 'The Jewish Bride' is the subject of debate: was it really a Jewish couple? "The Jewish Rembrandt" unravels this myth using many examples that have played a major role in promoting this.The imposing Moses and the Tablets of the Law and the portrait Ephraim Bueno are discussed for instance. The background to Rembrandt's enigmatic etchings in the book Piedra Gloriosa is also explored and new light is shed on his supposed friendship with Spinoza and Menasse ben Israel. Other issues addressed concern the origins of the Hebrew writings on sokme of his paintings, whether he used a Jewish model he came across in the synagogue for his Christ, and why Rembrandt is always identified with Judaism.