Well-known tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher and his crew are offering a unique opportunity to wear Rembrandt van Rijn’s famous artworks as tattoos. A temporary tattoo studio in Amsterdam has been set up in the esteemed Dutch painter’s former home, now a museum.
This special event is aptly called “A Poor Man’s Rembrandt,” highlighting the affordable nature of a tattoo – costing between 100 and 250 euros ($273), depending on its size – a stark contrast to the astronomical prices of an original Rembrandt, despite the meticulous craftsmanship involved in both.
Schiffmacher said, “To possess a Rembrandt requires substantial wealth, even for a miniature etching. But we’re offering an inexpensive Rembrandt to remain with you until your last breath.”
“And you can even flaunt this Rembrandt at the beach,” he joyfully added.
Enthusiasts had to act fast – tickets to the week-long event sold out in a mere 15 minutes, according to Milou Halbesma, director of the Rembrandt House Museum. Nevertheless, opportunities for walk-ins are still available every day.
Halbesma anticipates this unique venture will draw a diverse audience to the museum. “We are continuously seeking ways to keep Rembrandt’s legacy vibrant,” she mentioned, highlighting that just as Rembrandt used to instruct pupils in this house, Schiffmacher also has a cadre of students.
Lillian Ramcharan, an employee of the Rembrandt House, was the first to get inked this week, choosing an image of Hansken, a 17th-century female Asian elephant that journeyed around Europe. The museum held an exhibition dedicated to Hansken two years ago, showcasing the elephant’s skull.
Ramcharan said, “It’s as if I have seen her in person,” evoking a sense of connection to the past.
Schiffmacher, who finds immense joy in working in the historical house, intends to immortalize one of the master’s works on his skin. “The aura and spirit of Rembrandt still permeate this building,” he affirmed.
The creative intertwining of art, history, and body modification creates a unique opportunity for those visiting the Rembrandt House Museum, where the legacy of the Dutch master lives, not only on walls but now on the skin too. This event promises to be an unforgettable experience, reaffirming the timeless appeal of Rembrandt’s art in a novel and engaging manner. Whether you walk away with an etching of his work or merely memories of the experience, one thing is sure – Rembrandt’s impact and reach continue to evolve and inspire across centuries.
