Alexander Taratynov, b. 1956, Mikhail Dronov, b. 1956, and Igor Kozlov, b. 1952, 'Rembrandt van Rijn' 2006

With reference to Rembrandt’s 400^th anniversary in 2006 Mikhail Dronov initiated the idea to build the three dimensional sculpture of Rembrandt, as well as the enormous sculpture group in bronze of Rembrandt's Night Watch which is on view in Amsterdam at the Rembrandtplein.

The portrait of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn is constructed in conjunction with the three Russian artists Alexander Taratynov, Mikhail Dronov and Igor Kozlov in which they have succeeded to recreate a accurately full-size figure of one of the most prolific and significant artists in Europe of the 17^th century. Between 1629 and 1669 Rembrandt painted about 600 paintings, produced about 300 etchings and over 1000 drawings. Besides religious subjects he became the leading portrait painter in Holland and also painted 60 penetrating self-portraits of which many of them were used as studies for later paintings.  

Alexander Taratynov, Mikhail Dronov and Igor Kozlov also closely observed Rembrandt’s self-portraits in order to accomplish the most efficient and precised image of Rembrandt possible. Alexander Taratynov’s work is characterised by a constant profound urge towards technical precision and he proved to have an exact sense for the correct anatomical proportions and figural shapes in his sculptures. Mikhail Dronov has repeatedly captured the essence of each object or figure that he constructed for his oeuvre. With a deep-lying intensity and passion he experiences his arts craft as a creative athlete. Both artist graduated from prominent Art Academies in Moscow and their work is exhibited in the most eminent museums of Russia.