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Belshazzar's Feast Analysis

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Belshazzar's Feast Analysis
Rembrandt’s God takes the form of writing, and light to communicate with the humans in his works. In his form of light in Dane, he is sensual and inhabits the entire painting. In his written form, for example in Belshazzar's Feast, 1635-8 God is shown as a hand writing in code while radiating light. God is communicating by showing his presence but not an entirely physical form. He is present in with the figures and communicates through words and radiating light. However, he is not shown to be clear in his written word and uses forms of translation and code to communicate. In Dane, God is represented as light radiating from off left of the painting. Usually other artist would use gold to represent the presence of God. However, Rembrandt decided …show more content…
In both Belshazzar’s Feast and Faust in His Study, 1652 God comes as light and presenting encoded text. Both figures that are able to notice the presence of God are shown in shock and looking behind their left shoulder. In both works decoding is needed to understand what God wanted to communicate with the figures. In Belshazzar’s Feast, the writing is in gematria, an rabbinic form of encoding. Belshazzar seeked the help of Daniel, a magician to read the writing. Daniel is therefore, able to have access to both realms. In Faust in His Study, God’s message comes encoded in an amulet. An educated individual would have to know how to read the amulet to decipher the message. In both works God is their own source of light, continuing the theme in Dane where the presence of God also creates its own light source. God is presented as light and encoded writing. They communicate with the figures with help of others who are able to understand the purpose of God's presence. In Dane, God’s presence needs to be known so that Dane can become pregnant. In Belshazzar’s Feast, the message foretells of Belshazzar’s death and therefore encourages plans to overthrow him. God’s plan is unknown to some of the figures and translation is needed to carry out his plan. God’s interaction is secretive, choosing to communicate with light and

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