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Contents
A Quick Guide
- Official Name: "The Night Watch" or "Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq."
- Location of the Painting: The Night Watch Room, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Painted on: Completed in 1642 during the Dutch Golden Age.
- Technique Used: Rembrandt employed his innovative chiaroscuro technique, emphasizing the contrast between light and dark.
- Paint Used: Oil paint, skillfully applied with Rembrandt's signature brushstrokes.
- Painting Size: Measures approximately 363 cm × 437 cm (142.9 in × 172.0 in).
- Number of visitors per year: "The Night Watch" continues to be a major attraction at the Rijksmuseum, drawing over 2.2 million visitors annually.
The Night Watch at a Glance
Rembrandt's monumental masterpiece, created for the Kloveniersdoelen, showcases his artistic genius. Departing from tradition, he depicted the figures in vibrant action on a civic guard painting. The commanding captain, dressed in black, directs his lieutenant while the shooters line up with precision. Rembrandt's masterful use of light draws attention to crucial details, like the captain's gesture and a young girl in the foreground, the archers' mascot. Although later dubbed "Nachtwacht" (Night Watch) mistakenly as a nocturnal scene, the painting's allure and cultural significance remain undiminished. This opus continues to captivate art enthusiasts, standing as a testament to Rembrandt's lasting legacy.
Facts About the Night Watch Room
- Emergency Exit for The Night Watch: In 1934, "The Night Watch" was the only painting in the world that had its own special exit. They made a big letterbox shaped hole in the floor in front, allowing the painting, along with its frame, to pass through easily.
- Night Watch on the Main Altar: In a church, the main altar is located at the end of the nave. This is the most important place. In the Rijksmuseum you will find Rembrandt's Night Watch on that spot.
- The Four Days: In the Night Watch Room, women stand on four high columns that seem to support the roof. They are the personification of the morning, afternoon, evening and of course the night.
- Curtains in the Hall of Fame: Initially, the side cabinets were screened off with thick curtains. Thus the visitor was led to the end of the gallery, to the Night Watch.
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Frequently Asked Quetsions About The Night Watch
What is the official name of the painting?
"The Night Watch" or "Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq."
Where is the painting located?
The painting is housed in the Rijksmuseum, located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
When was the painting created?
Rembrandt completed the painting in 1642, during the Dutch Golden Age.
What technique did Rembrandt use in the painting?
Rembrandt employed his innovative chiaroscuro technique, emphasizing the contrast between light and dark to create depth and drama in the composition.
What materials did Rembrandt use to create the painting?
Rembrandt used oil paint, skillfully applied with his signature brushstrokes, to create "The Night Watch."
How large is the painting?
The painting measures approximately 363 cm × 437 cm (142.9 in × 172.0 in).
Can visitors see the painting in person?
Yes, "The Night Watch" is on display at the Rijksmuseum, where visitors can admire it.
How many visitors does the painting attract each year?
"The Night Watch" continues to be a major attraction, drawing over 2.2 million visitors annually to the Rijksmuseum.
Why is the painting sometimes referred to as "Nachtwacht"?
The name "Nachtwacht" (Night Watch) originated due to a later misconception that the painting depicted a nocturnal scene.
What is the historical significance of "The Night Watch"?
"The Night Watch" is renowned for its innovative composition and Rembrandt's ability to convey emotion and narrative through his brushwork. It stands as a masterpiece of the Dutch Golden Age, exemplifying Rembrandt's genius and influencing generations of artists. Its enduring allure and cultural significance make it a cornerstone of art history.