The+Night+Watch;+Rembrandt

//** The Nightwatch **//

// The Night Watch // by Rembrandt van Rijn, also known as // De Nachtwacht // in Dutch, is an oil painting, now displayed at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. It is one of the most famous paintings during the Dutch Golden Age. The painting was completed 1642, known for its characteristics of effectively used chiaroscuro, the balance between lights and darks, and the perception of motion.

The painting isn’t actually a night painting as people may think. The scene actually takes place in the day. Rembrandt had successfully captured the appearance of a historical event taking place. In the scene, it displayed french men wearing armor and interesting helmets before a massive archway. It gave a meaning that a city needed to be defended. A drummer boy in the painting also symbolized that a battle was about to take place. As well, some of the clothes the people wore were yellow, meant to resemble victory.

Rembrandt’s painting was one of the most famous art works during the Dutch Golden age, which inspired many artists during the time and even after. It’s currently one of the most famous painting in the Western world, after the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper, and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.