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2019 was the 350th Anniversary of the death of revered 'Golden Age' Dutch painter Rembrandt and it was opportune for photographer Ivan Berg that it coincided with his very first exhibition of portraits using a dramatic lighting technique derived from that commonly used by the master. On the left is the head and shoulders cut from Rembrandt's 'Portrait of a Gentleman' and on the right Ivan Berg's portrait of Artistic Director Gabi Maddocks. The lighting and shadows of both are remarkably similar.
Pioneering movie director Cecil B DeMille is credited with the first use of the term 'Rembrandt Lighting'. While shooting the 1915 film, The Warrens of Virginia, DeMille borrowed some portable spotlights from the Mason Opera House in downtown Los Angeles and "began to make shadows where shadows would appear in nature." When business partner Sam Goldwyn saw the film with only half an actor's face illuminated, he feared that the exhibitors would pay only half the price for the picture. After DeMille told him it was Rembrandt Lighting, Sam's reply was jubilant with relief: "for Rembrandt Lighting", he said, "the exhibitors would pay double!"
(from Wikipedia with thanks)
Pioneering movie director Cecil B DeMille is credited with the first use of the term 'Rembrandt Lighting'. While shooting the 1915 film, The Warrens of Virginia, DeMille borrowed some portable spotlights from the Mason Opera House in downtown Los Angeles and "began to make shadows where shadows would appear in nature." When business partner Sam Goldwyn saw the film with only half an actor's face illuminated, he feared that the exhibitors would pay only half the price for the picture. After DeMille told him it was Rembrandt Lighting, Sam's reply was jubilant with relief: "for Rembrandt Lighting", he said, "the exhibitors would pay double!"
(from Wikipedia with thanks)