The Night Watch

The Night Watch (1642) by Rembrandt van Rijn is without doubt one of the most famous paintings in the world – but what makes this work so exceptional? In the 17th century countless group portraits of civic guardsmen were produced. Whereas these companies were usually portrayed in a rather static and stiff manner, Rembrandt set his Amsterdam militiamen in motion. The captain gives an order to his lieutenant, the troop takes its position, the drumroll seems almost audible. With his subtle use of light, Rembrandt drew attention to key details, such as the captain’s commanding gesture and the luminous girl in the background.

This book not only tells the story of Rembrandt’s innovations and the significance of The Night Watch in Dutch painting, but also of its turbulent history, the mythical status it acquired in the Rijksmuseum, and Operation Night Watch – the museum’s largest ever research and restoration project, that is now being carried out. A fascinating account of a masterpiece that ran circles around the work of Rembrandt’s contemporaries, and continues to capture the imagination to this day.