Rembrandt moved from Leiden to Amsterdam in 1631.
Before the move, he had trained and worked in Leiden, including a period studying with the history painter Pieter Lastman in Amsterdam. His early success in Leiden brought commissions, but Amsterdam offered a larger market, wealthier patrons, and stronger commercial opportunities.
In Amsterdam, Rembrandt initially worked with the art dealer Hendrick van Uylenburgh. The arrangement gave him access to portrait commissions and helped him become one of the city’s most sought-after painters. He also met Saskia van Uylenburgh through this network.
The move marked the beginning of Rembrandt’s mature career. Although he continued to draw on biblical, classical, and historical subjects, Amsterdam became the central setting for his workshop, family life, collecting, and eventual financial difficulties.