TOEFL Sample essay : integrated essay from TPO3

Recently there has been a lot of debate whether or not one of Rembrandt's painting was an authentic piece of his work. One group represented by the professor, believes that it was a Rembrandt's painting. However, others like the author claims that it was not a painting by Rembrandt.

First, the professor claims that an X-ray and further analysis was done on this particular painting reveals that, the white linen cap is not an original part of the painting, in fact it was added to the painting a 100 years later by someone who thoughts he is adding more value to the painting by doing so. However, the text states that there are an inconsistency between the painting’s elements, the white cap belong to a servant and the fur coat which a servant cannot afford.

Second point of dispute, the professor contends that in the original painting the woman was wearing a light color clothes which in turn reflects light that illuminate part of the woman’s face. The professor added that taking the previous point in consideration reveals that the original painting is completely Rembrandt's piece of work. On the other hand, the text explains how the current painting is missing the right light and shadow effects.

Finally, the professor states that the original painting was on a single piece of wood and after the alteration on it another piece of wood was attached to it to make it grander. She added that in fact researchers find that the wood used in this painting is from the same tree that Rembrandt's used to paint his portrait with a hat. However, the text posits that another evidence that this painting was not Rembrandt's work is that Rembrandt used to paint on a single piece of wood not on many pieces glued together.