Which artist was least successful in his lifetime? Rembrandt, De la Tour, Rubeens, or Vermeer?

I think it was Vermeer.

I think you're right, if you measure financial success. When Vermeer died he left a large family and many debts.

Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Did you have financial gain in mind when you asked that question? Life for an artist is never easy, especially without a sponsor. Both Vermeer and Rembrandt van Rijn had personal tragedies and financial hardship. Vermeer, however, had fewer paintings but thoe he had madwe him one of the greates painters of the Dutch Golden Age, especially in his use lf light. Peter Paul Rubens,(not Rubeens) on the other hand, was prolific and had many apprendices and students. He did not paint all his works alone. I know far less about Georges de la Tour.

what is a lead-in ?

To determine which artist was least successful in his lifetime among Rembrandt, De la Tour, Rubens, or Vermeer, we can consider factors such as recognition, patronage, and financial success during their respective lifetimes.

1. Rembrandt van Rijn: Although Rembrandt faced financial struggles later in his career, he achieved significant recognition and patronage throughout his lifetime. He had numerous patrons and received commissions for portraits and historical paintings. While he faced financial difficulties towards the end of his life, he enjoyed considerable success during his prime.

2. Georges de la Tour: While not widely recognized during his lifetime, Georges de la Tour had some success as an artist. He had a small circle of patrons who supported his work, primarily in his native region of Lorraine, France. Although he did not achieve widespread fame during his lifetime, his work was valued and collected to some extent.

3. Peter Paul Rubens: Rubens was highly successful during his lifetime and enjoyed both critical acclaim and financial prosperity. He had a large workshop and received numerous commissions, including from prominent figures such as the Medici family and European royalty. Rubens was highly regarded and his work was in high demand, making him a successful artist during his lifetime.

4. Johannes Vermeer: While Vermeer is considered one of the greatest Dutch Golden Age painters today, he did not achieve significant recognition or financial success during his lifetime. He produced a relatively small number of paintings, and most of his works remained in obscurity until long after his death. Vermeer struggled financially and relied heavily on his wife's family to support him. It was only in the 19th century that Vermeer's paintings gained widespread recognition.

Based on these factors, it can be concluded that Vermeer was indeed the artist who experienced the least success during his lifetime compared to Rembrandt, De la Tour, and Rubens.