Published 09/09/2011
What has a C17th Dutch painting got to do with the World Economy?
'The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp,' 1632 a painting by Rembrandt, has been used for the cover of The Economist.
Dr. Nicolaes Tulp is pictured explaining the musculature of the arm to medical professionals, but the painting has been doctored (get it) to appear as if he is using a defibrillator to revive the patient. Above him are the words - "Stand back, I'm a central banker". Attempting to revive a cadaver injects a touch of humor and a cynical eye over our current financial situation.
The image makes us question who can we really trust to stabilize the economy? Restriction-free, iconic art has been manipulated to take an entirely new context.
The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, 1632 by Rembrandt (1606-69) / Mauritshuis, The Hague, The Netherlands /Bridgeman
