The book accompanying the once-in-a-lifetime exhibition in Vienna about Rembrandt van Rijn and his brilliant student Samuel van Hoogstraten Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn and his work are explored from the perspective of his most important and exceptionally innovative pupil Samuel van Hoogstraten. Van Hoogstraten’s multi-faceted oeuvre attests to the influences of his teacher Rembrandt, but also to his competitive spirit and the independent paths taken by his talented pupil. For his part, Rembrandt reacted to impulses supplied by his pupil Van Hoogstraten. From the multiplicity of possible themes relating to the two artists, the chosen focus will highlight two essential aspects of their oeuvre: colour and illusion. These determine the choice of works and the focus of the essays. In doing so, the present volume provides a comprehensive overview of the creative oeuvre of both artists and offers the opportunity to contrast and compare their outstanding talents. This publication accompanies the eponymous exhibition from 8 October 2024 until 12 January 2025 at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien.