Philosophers in Meditation shows two old men in a room. One of them sits meditating with folded hands next to the high window, through which bright sunlight falls into the room. He appears absorbed, at peace with himself, turned away from the world. The second figure, the philosopher in the right foreground, is completely different. He is a symbol of the "vita activa", the active life, as he tends to the blazing fire by the fireplace. His illuminated, outstretched arm with a poker and the fire create a diagonal reference to the light coming in through the window. The view into the cave-like room is also remarkably designed by Rembrandt. The eye is drawn to the spiral staircase leading to the upper floor. As a symbol of openness, it contrasts with a small, closed wooden door under the staircase. A picture that perfectly stages silence, light and activity.

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Philosopher, thinking by Rembrandt van Rijn. Available as an art print on canvas, photo paper, watercolor board, uncoated paper or Japanese paper.
cell · spiral staircase · curved · interior · contemplation · thinking · light · fire · le philosophe en meditation · meditating · inv 1740 · constriction · constricted