Press Release

Excitingly Different Lectures at Oglethorpe University Museum of Art  

ATLANTA – Oglethorpe University Museum of Art presents three lectures in its Skylight Gallery (4484 Peachtree Rd NE) all in conjunction with its current exhibition, Sordid and Sacred: The Beggars in Rembrandt’s Etchings, 35 selections from the John Villarino collection.

• Wednesday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. Ohio State philosophy professor Dr. Tom Kasulis will present a lecture on Cultivating the Mindful Art: Japanese Aesthetic Sensitivity. Dr. Kasulis teaches comparative religion and Japanese religious thought and western philosophy. Lecture is free and open to the public.

• Saturday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. Renowned art historian Dr. Kees Kaldenbach has traveled from Amsterdam, Holland to discuss “Rembrandt’s successful career as an artist in Amsterdam from 1632 to 1642.” Rembrandt’s life was marked by a move to Amsterdam and the commission of an important work of art, the group portrait of Dr. Tulp and members of the Surgeons Guild. This painting made an enormous impression on 17th century art lovers and during a 10-year period the commissions for Rembrandt portraits and other works poured in. It was in this time slot that the artist was able to purchase a large building to live and paint in, now known as the Rembrandt House. The conception and delivery of the Night Watch painting marked the high point in his career. Admission to the lecture is $10 per person and includes museum admission. Free to members of OUMA, children under 12 and the Oglethorpe community.

• Wednesday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Kees Kaldenbach will discuss the “dramatic reversal in fortune with a downward spiral up to Rembrandt’s death in 1669.” He will discuss the period of Rembrandt’s life when he was rejected by many circles in Amsterdam. Close to bankruptcy, the artist was forced to sell off his house and worldly goods. Rembrandt’s production of etchings and engravings still remained profitable, and some paintings were successfully sold abroad. At the time of his death, the famous Rembrandt was living in the poor section of Amsterdam where he was later buried without public acknowledgement or honors. Admission to the lecture is $10 per person and includes museum admission. Free to members of OUMA, children under 12 and the Oglethorpe community.