CINCINNATI.--Visitors to the Cincinnati Art Museum can be a part of the worldwide celebration of Rembrandt's 400th birthday this year. Viewers are able to see his print masterpieces at Rembrandt: Master Printmaker, a special exhibition of more than 60 works on view through June 11. The exhibition, one of many planned worldwide, demonstrate why Rembrandt is considered one of the world's greatest artists.

"By examining Rembrandt's prints, we can gain a greater understanding of his importance as an artist," said Kristin Spangenberg, curator of prints, drawings and photographs for the Museum. "Seeing his prints will help visitors discover why Rembrandt was and truly remains to be one of the world's greatest artists."

Drawn almost entirely from the Museum's renowned permanent collection, the exhibition will be the first display of Rembrandt's prints in more than three decades in Cincinnati. The prints in the exhibition are grouped to help visitors closely examine Rembrandt's work, with emphasis on the stylistic, technical and emotive devices he mastered and employed in his prints. Magnifying glasses will be available to allow visitors to view each work up close.

The works fall into several major categories-technical examination, dramatic narratives, biblical and secular themes, landscapes and portraits. Masterpieces featured in the exhibition include The Three Trees and The Hundred Gilder Print, as well as five Rembrandt self portraits.

As a printmaker, Rembrandt worked in both etching and drypoint techniques. Unlike many of his contemporaries who took a stylized approach to printmaking, Rembrandt treated the medium like drawing, allowing for more fluid, energetic lines and compositions. He was also a persistent experimenter, using a combination of techniques and papers to achieve desired emotional and dramatic effects.

"His prints show another side of Rembrandt the artist," said Amber Lucero-Criswell, associate curator of education for interpretation and adult programs. "He deeply explored every aspect of his subjects and was more detail oriented. You can really sense his hand in the works. Visitors to this exhibition will truly get a more intimate viewing experience than they would with his paintings."