Tattoo artists recreate Rembrandt masterpieces on human skin in Amsterdam

A team of tattoo artists is recreating the paintings and etchings of Rembrandt van Rijn on visitors at the Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam.

Henk Schiffmacher and four other artists are operating a pop-up studio to offer tattoos based on the works of the Dutch Golden Age painter. The project, called the Poor Man’s Rembrandt Project, allows people to book sessions for prices between roughly $110 and $390. The designs include windmills, lions, and even the artist's own self-portraits.

The museum director stated that the initiative aims to make the craft of Rembrandt and his students more accessible to the public. While most participants choose smaller designs from flash sheets, the project also includes a large-scale centerpiece. A 28-year-old man named Bo Kwakernaak will receive a free replication of the 1633 etching The Descent from the Cross across his entire back.

The team of artists will work for approximately 20 hours to complete the full-back piece, with the final session scheduled for the night of November 7. The project will run at the museum until November 7, 2026.