The Life and Times of Rembrandt by Hendrik Willem van Loon — 1943 Black & Gold Edition from Liveright Publishing. A beautifully bound mid-century art biography celebrating Rembrandt’s genius and van Loon’s timeless storytelling. Elegant black and gold cover — perfect for art lovers or vintage book collectors.
Author: Hendrik Willem van Loon
Publisher: Liveright Publishing Corporation
Copyright: 1930 by Horace Liveright
Edition: Black & Gold Edition, March 1943
🧠 Background
Hendrik Willem van Loon (1882–1944) was a Dutch-American historian, journalist, and illustrator — the first winner of the Newbery Medal (The Story of Mankind, 1922). He had a knack for bringing art and history to life for a general audience.
This 1943 “Black & Gold Edition” is a wartime reissue of his 1930 biography of Rembrandt van Rijn, the Dutch master painter. Van Loon’s works were popular during WWII because they blended education, illustration, and humanism — qualities people craved in that era.
The Liveright Publishing imprint itself is notable: Horace Liveright was a legendary early-20th-century publisher who discovered Hemingway, Faulkner, and Eugene O’Neill.
🖤 Design Notes
The black cloth binding with red and gold spine labels and embossed detailing is signature Liveright elegance.
The simplicity of “Hendrik Willem van Loon” on the cover and the decorative spine were designed to look refined on a bookshelf — it’s visually striking, especially under warm light or styled with brass.
The paper and typeface are classic 1930s art-book quality — understated but substantial.
A Note on Vintage
Vintage items often carry gentle signs of age that add to their unique character. Please review all photos closely to ensure this piece is the perfect fit for you.
Shipping & Packaging:
Your piece will be carefully wrapped and securely packaged for safe arrival. I’m committed to eco-friendly practices and use recycled materials whenever possible to protect your treasures and the environment.
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