Zusammenfassung
Altern ist häufig mit Einschränkungen kognitiver Leistungen assoziiert. Wenige komplexe
kognitive Fähigkeiten jedoch wie Weisheit und Urteilsfähigkeit nehmen möglicherweise
mit dem Alter zu. An drei repräsentativen Selbstbildnissen des jungen, mittleren und
späten Rembrandt H. van Rijn wird die Ausbildung des so genannten Spätstils untersucht,
der ein hohes malerisches Können und Lebenserfahrung integriert und Überschneidungen
mit dem Weisheitsbegriff im Sinne von Baltes aufweist. Anhand des Spätstils werden
komplexe neuropsychologische Fähigkeiten diskutiert, die sich mit zunehmendem Alter
nicht regelhaft zurückbilden, sondern, im Gegenteil, erst entfalten.
Beyond „Successful Aging”: Rembrandt in his Self-Portraits
The process of aging has been generally associated with cognitive dedine. However,
some complex cognitive abilities, such as wisdom and judgement, have been suggested
to improve with age. In the current study, the development of an advanced artistic
ability is examined over the life span of Rembrandt H. van Rijn. Analysis of the paintings
revealed the development of an old-age-style in the last portrait, characterised by
uniformity of texture, facture, and lighting. The self-portrait painted in the last
year of Rembrandt's life reflects a high degree of integration of artistic skill and
experience gathered in the course of life, and hence reflects features of wisdom in
the sence suggested by Baltes. The development of a mature „late” style can help to
characterise the emergence of qualitatively different and advanced cognitive abilities
in old age.
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Dr. med. Alexander Rösler
Neurologische Universitätsklinik
Schleusenweg 2-660596 Frankfurt
