Why is it called Rembrandt Lighting?

Why is it called Rembrandt Lighting?

Rembrandt lighting is named after the Dutch painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, known as one of the greatest visual artists in the history of art and the most important in Dutch art history. This lighting technique is characterized by an illumination that mimishes the natural light often seen in Rembrandt's paintings, creating a specific contrast and depth that became his trademark.

Rembrandt's approach to lighting was revolutionary in his time, often playing with light and shadow to bring emotional depth and realism to his subjects. The key feature of Rembrandt lighting in photography and cinematography is the creation of a small triangle of light on the cheek of the subject, on the opposite side of the light source. This technique creates a striking contrast between the illuminated part of the face and the shadows.

The name Rembrandt lighting is thus a homage to the way Rembrandt van Rijn uniquely used light and shadow to add depth and dimension to his paintings. The technique's significance in modern photography and filmmaking lies in its ability to add a dramatic effect, emphasizing the volume and shapes of the subject's face, thereby bringing a classical feel to the visual composition.