Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn, born in Leiden, became one of the most successful painters of the Baroque period. His commissioned work was usually requested by Protestant patrons, however, Rembrandt operated his own commercial enterprise free from the control and influence of patronage. He wanted his paintings to be valued as his own works rather than the products of some contract. This attitude reflects the rise in Dutch capitalism and the development of a modern art market. At the zenith of his career, Rembrandt was the most famous and honored painter of Amsterdam. The decline of Protestant patronage is reflected in Rembrandt’s art. Secular groups began to commission more paintings.
One such secular painting produced by Rembrandt. The painting shows a militia company departing from Amsterdam on a shooting expedition. The arrangement of the figures in action creates a strong sense of vitality which is reinforced by the strategic use of light and shade. The party emerges from a dark arch reminiscent of the triumphal arches of ancient Rome. It also serves as a reminder of the Dutch overthrow of their Spanish conquerors. The light falls across the two figures at the vanguard of the party. One extends his hand as if to invite the observer to join. The shadow extends the line of his red sash towards his companion in a yellow jacket. This interplay of light, shadow, and colors is typical of Baroque art.
The Night Watch is
Rembrandt displays his prowess in The Night Watch through the employment of various painting techniques. Some details of the painting are evoked minutely whereas other places seem to have been painted very thickly. The piece is clearly masterful and stands out from other militia pieces of the same period because of its striking picturesque, elegant, and powerful execution.
http://www.rembrandthuis.nl/en/rembrandt/belangrijkste-werken/de-nachtwacht
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