Why Was The Night Watch by Rembrandt So Controversial?
Rembrandt van Rijn’s The Night Watch (1642) is one of the most celebrated paintings in art history. However, at the time of its creation, it stirred significant controversy. The painting, officially titled Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banning Cocq, was commissioned by a civic guard company in Amsterdam. Unlike the traditional static group portraits of the time, Rembrandt created a dynamic, theatrical composition, breaking the conventions of Dutch portraiture.
One of the main reasons for its controversy was the way Rembrandt arranged the figures. Typically, in a commissioned portrait of a guild or militia company, each member expected equal prominence. However, Rembrandt’s use of light and shadow focused primarily on Captain Frans Banning Cocq and his lieutenant, Willem van Ruytenburch, pushing others into the background. Some of the members who had paid to be included in the painting were displeased with their lack of visibility. This dissatisfaction may have contributed to Rembrandt’s later financial struggles, as he fell out of favor with wealthy patrons.
Another reason for the controversy was its sheer scale and darkening over time. The painting originally featured more figures and elements, but in the 18th century, it was trimmed to fit a new location in Amsterdam’s Town Hall, altering Rembrandt’s original composition. Additionally, the accumulation of varnish over the centuries led to a misconception that the painting depicted a nighttime scene, hence the nickname The Night Watch.
What Is the Message of The Night Watch?
At its core, The Night Watch celebrates civic pride and military readiness, showcasing the Amsterdam militia’s role in maintaining order. Rembrandt infused it with movement and action, breaking the static and posed nature of traditional group portraits. The painting’s theatrical lighting, diagonal composition, and layering of figures create a sense of depth, making it one of the most innovative works of its time.
The painting conveys themes of unity and leadership, with Captain Cocq gesturing forward, suggesting a call to action. The militia members appear engaged in various activities, symbolizing teamwork, vigilance, and the collective strength of Amsterdam’s citizen-soldiers. Rembrandt’s masterful use of light enhances the storytelling, directing attention to the key figures and emphasizing their significance.
Beyond its immediate patriotic message, The Night Watch also reflects Rembrandt’s artistic philosophy: an emphasis on realism, individuality, and dramatic expression. Unlike idealized portraits, each person in The Night Watch has distinct facial features and expressions, capturing the diversity of personalities within the militia.
What Does the Girl in The Night Watch Represent?
Among the dramatic figures in The Night Watch, one stands out intriguingly, a young girl dressed in gold, with an ethereal glow surrounding her. She is not a member of the militia, yet Rembrandt prominently placed her in the composition. Art historians believe she is a symbolic figure rather than a real person.
The girl is often interpreted as a personification of the militia itself. She wears a dead chicken hanging from her waist, which is believed to reference the emblem of the Kloveniers, the civic guard company depicted in the painting. The claws of the chicken resemble the symbol of the militia, reinforcing her allegorical role. The golden glow around her suggests purity and highlights her importance within the scene.
Another theory posits that she represents victory or the spirit of the militia, an emblematic figure meant to add a deeper symbolic layer to the painting. The presence of a second, partially obscured figure behind her adds to the painting’s mysterious and layered composition.
How Much Is The Night Watch Painting Worth?
Determining the exact value of The Night Watch is nearly impossible because it is considered a priceless masterpiece. As one of the most important paintings in Western art, it is unlikely to ever be sold. However, if it were hypothetically auctioned, experts estimate its value could reach billions of dollars, given its historical significance and Rembrandt’s status as one of the greatest painters of all time.
In recent years, paintings by old masters, particularly those by Rembrandt, have sold for hundreds of millions. Given The Night Watch’s monumental scale, influence, and historical importance, it would likely be one of the most valuable paintings in the world.
Where Is The Night Watch by Rembrandt Located
Currently, The Night Watch is housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It is displayed in the museum’s Gallery of Honour, where it remains one of the most visited and revered artworks.
The painting has undergone several restorations to preserve its grandeur. In 2019, the Rijksmuseum launched Operation Night Watch, a major restoration project to analyze and restore the painting using advanced imaging technology. This project ensures that future generations can continue to appreciate Rembrandt’s masterpiece in its full glory.
Despite its turbulent history, including an attack by vandals in the 20th century, The Night Watch remains an enduring symbol of Dutch Golden Age art and civic pride. Its compelling composition, rich symbolism, and historical significance make it one of the greatest paintings ever created.
