Henk Schiffmacher Seeks a Living Canvas for a Spectacular Rembrandt Tattoo
Press Release
(Amsterdam, 8 September 2026) Henk Schiffmacher is on the hunt for a clearback to serve as the canvas for a breathtaking tattoo. The occasion? The second edition of The Poor Man’s Rembrandt Project. From 26 October to 7 November, Schiffmacher and his team will once again set up a tattoo studio at Rembrandt’s former home. Following the global success of the 2023 edition, Schiffmacher now dreams of transforming Rembrandt’s renowned and intricate etching The Descent from the Cross into a full-back tattoo. Just as Rembrandt sought the rightpaper for his etchings, ourtattoo artists are now searching for the rightback—and, of course, with an owner who is willing to carry a masterpiece for life.
The Poor Man’s Rembrandt Project will be on view from October 26 through November 7, 2026.
A Free Work of Art for Life
This one-of-a-kind tattoo will be offered free of charge to one individual prepared to commit to the full etching. A team of tattoo specialists from Schiffmacher & Veldhoen (Amsterdam) and St. Catharina (Antwerp) will create the piece over a series of appointments. Applications are open until 22 September 2026 via the Museum Rembrandthuis website. The winner will be announced on 24 September.
The Descent from the Cross (1633) is an etching from the Museum Rembrandthuis collection. The work depicts the biblical scene of Jesus being taken down from the cross. Typical of Rembrandt, it features striking light-dark contrasts and powerful emotional expressions. Notably, Rembrandt himself appears in the etching: he is the man holding Jesus’ arm, looking out to the viewer with a pained expression.
The Poor Man’s Rembrandt Project
This search for the right canvas is part of the second edition of The Poor Man’s Rembrandt Project. The first edition (2023) captured global attention, with news of Rembrandt-inspired tattoos at the master’s home spreading from Washington to India, Malaysia, and Libya. Once again, Schiffmacher & Veldhoen Tattooing will set up their studio in the museum.
Visitors can book a time slot starting 28 September via the Museum Rembrandthuis website to get tattooed on-site, choosing from a wide selection of Rembrandt designs. Walk-ins are also welcome. Tattoo prices range from €100 to €350. For more information and available designs, visit: The Poor Man’s Rembrandt Project 2026.
Henk Schiffmacher comments: “Globally, more tattoos are sold than wall art. An old tattoo artist once called tattoos ‘The Poor Man’s Rembrandt’—a work of art more affordable than a painting by the old master, yet no less carefully chosen or executed. For us, it is an incredible honour to work in the very place where Rembrandt’s spirit still lingers.”
Rembrandt Meets Schiffmacher & Veldhoen
Rembrandt and Schiffmacher & Veldhoen share much in common: both are world-renowned, masters of their craft, and deeply rooted in Amsterdam’s DNA. Their art forms also share key similarities—tatoos like etchings begin as drawings, later transferred to a surface with ink and needle. While Rembrandt used copper plates and paper, tattoo artists apply their designs to human skin, creating art meant to be worn for a lifetime.
Caption: Rembrandt, The Descent from the Cross, 1633, Museum Rembrandthuis. Photo's by Aad Hoogendoorn.