After the independence of the Netherlands, the economy developed rapidly, and in the ensuing freedom of thought, there was a new interest in national art. People are crazy about portraits. Professor Du Pu's Anatomy Course was one of the group portraits commissioned by the Amsterdam Surgeons Association at that time, and it was also an excellent group portrait.

As a group image, most of the works at that time, like today's group images, were evenly arranged. Rembrandt's paintings are not like this. He regards all the characters as a whole, sets a specific plot, and integrates everyone into this plot.

A Brief Comment on Professor Du Pu's Anatomy Course

There are eight people in the painting, and the one on the far right is Professor Du Pu, M.D. He is the central figure of the painting, occupying most of the space in the painting. He concentrated on dissecting the body on the operating table, clear and lifelike. The seven people on the left are carefully observing the professor's movements. Their expressions are different and authentic.

The professor may be talking about the principles of anatomy and the methods of surgical practice, while others are watching and listening to the professor attentively. This kind of plot portrait not only reflects the new requirements of the Dutch emerging bourgeoisie for painting, but also shows the scientific exploration spirit of that era.