Artibus et Historiae no. 10 (V)

1984, ISSN 0391-9064

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MARGARET DEUTSCH CARROLL - Rembrandt's Aristotle: Exemplary Beholder

Rembrandt's Aristotle Contemplating the Bust of Homer (New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art) is considered as an essay by Rembrandt on the philosophical value of looking at a work of art. The article surveys philosophical theories upholding the value of contemplating art from Aristotle through Comenius, as well as the philosophical implications of Rembrandt's own encyclopedic collection. Aristotle's golden chain is interpreted as a symbol of contemplative philosophy.