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The Nightwatch
The most famous work of Rembrandt, depicting a civil militia company under the command of Captain Frans Banning Cocq and Lieutenant Willem van Ruytenburch. The painting shows them setting out on a mission, with an extraordinary effect of light and shadow (tenebrism) and a sense of movement, which was innovative for traditional group portraits. The woman in the background with a chicken symbolizes the shooters' coat of arms. The painting was covered for a long time with a dark varnish that gave it a nocturnal character, hence its popular name. It was previously cropped and damaged, but has been repeatedly restored and remains one of the most famous paintings of the Dutch Golden Age.
Portrait of the Creator
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Artist
Rembrandt van Rijn
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Date of birth and death
15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669
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Natinality
Dutch
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Style
Dutch Golden Age, Baroque, masterful chiaroscuro, psychological realism
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Significant works
The Night Watch, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, The Jewish Bride, Self-portraits, The Hundred Guilder Print
Information about the work
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Year:
1642
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Execution technique:
oil on canvas
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Location:
Amsterdams Historisch Museum / Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Theme:
baroque, group portrait, militia, movement, chiaroscuro, Dutch history
Internal Narrative and Creative Framework
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Inner Narrative
The painting symbolizes the unity and readiness of the civil militia to defend the city, emphasizing the individuality of each figure as well as the dynamics of the whole group. Symbolism and composition highlight honor and responsibility.
The key to interpreting the work
The interpretation should consider the historical context of Amsterdam's militia, the use of tenebrism technique, and the innovative portrayal of movement in group portraiture.See other works by this artist
Self-Portrait with Saskia in the Parable of the Prodigal Son
- Artist: Rembrandt van Rijn
- Year: 1635
