Rembrandt van Rijn was a Dutch painter and etcher, widely regarded as one of the greatest painters in European art history. Born in 1606, he is best known for his masterful use of light and shadow, a technique known as chiaroscuro, which brought depth and emotion to his portraits and historical scenes. His most famous works include The Night Watch and The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp. Rembrandt's ability to capture the human experience and his innovative approach to composition have left a lasting impact on the art world, influencing countless artists who followed him.