Rembrandt van Rijn was a Dutch painter and etcher, born on July 15, 1606, in Leiden, Netherlands. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest painters in European art history, known for his mastery of light and shadow, as well as his ability to capture human emotion. His most famous works include The Night Watch and numerous self-portraits. Throughout his career, Rembrandt produced over 600 paintings, 300 etchings, and 2,000 drawings. He was a key figure in the Dutch Golden Age of painting, influencing many artists with his innovative techniques. Despite facing financial difficulties later in life, his legacy endures through his profound impact on art.