How did students learn in Rembrandt’s workshop?

In Rembrandt’s workshop, students learned through a structured process typical of 17th-century artistic training. Rather than accepting beginners, Rembrandt took on pupils who had already completed their basic training elsewhere.1

The learning process involved the following methods:

• Copying and Variation: Students primarily learned by copying their master’s works. As they progressed, they moved on to creating free variations based on those same works.1
• Workspace Environment: Pupils worked in an attic space, where they were separated into individual cubicles partitioned by sailcloth or paper.1
• Studio Assistance: Some students, such as the orphan Isack Jouderville, remained in the workshop after their initial training to serve as studio assistants.1

Parents paid an annual tuition fee of 100 guilders for this instruction. Notably, unlike the common custom of the time, Rembrandt did not provide boarding for his students. Over his career, he taught approximately 50 or more pupils, including notable artists such as Gerrit Dou, Carel Fabritius, and Aert de Gelder.1