Fluidity and Sedimentation in Rembrandt’s "Christ Carrying the Cross"
From the 16th century onward, we see evidence in art and art theory of the intimate as well as reciprocal relationship between rough sketch and inner thought process. This talk by Nicola Suthor of Yale University will investigate how extremely minimal lineation may in fact condition the artist’s invention within the medium as the sketch develops. Rembrandt’s Christ Carrying the Cross from ca. 1635 beautifully exemplifies how fluidity of line helps to elaborate fleeting mental images. The talk will trace remnants of memory in the work by relating elements to prints Rembrandt must have known well and studied extensively. Furthermore, Suthor will discuss how these models were successfully “liquidated” in the execution of the sketch, becoming sedimentary layers in the composition from which an astonishing new vision of the scene was drawn.
