Four-hundred-and-nine years ago, on July 15 1606, Rembrandt van Rijn, better known simply as Rembrandt, was born. As the son of a miller, this Dutch master painter was born into humble circumstances, but became famous as a great artist in his own lifetime.

Here are few of his most important paintings, beginning with one from the 1630s as he was rising to prominence.

Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt (1632)

By the 1640s, Rembrandt had made a name for himself, but his portraiture was no longer in style. Still, he continued to produce masterful works of art, such as The Militia Company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq (1642).

The Militia Company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq (Rembrandt, 1642)

The 1650s found Rembrandt spending extravagantly as his income fell, leading to bankruptcy in1656. However, he continued painting prolifically during this period.

Aristotle Contemplating the Bust of Homer (Rembrandt,1653)

Towards the end of his life, Rembrandt painted several self-portraits. Here are two from the last year of his life: 

Self Portrait (Rembrandt, 1669)

Self Portrait (Rembrandt, 1669)

To a man whose contributions to art have resonated for generations, happy birthday.