Rembrandt, The Nightwatch

This painting by Rembrandt is a narrative of a thriving middle class economy, a group portrait with a democratic and egalitarian style. Not all individuals in the painting are equal because each paid their way into the scene. Rembrandt desired to create an atmosphere of interaction and activity amongst the figures. The religiously open area was a contributer to the thriving economy. The name of the painting is misleading, seeing as the painting depicts ceremonies or celebrations that specifically happened during the day, however the faint painted and now provides a darker aesthetic. The female figure is specifically depicted as humanistically as possible in order to maintain the rejection of religious themes.

Rembrandt, Staalmeesters

Unlike The Nightwatch, the balance between internal and external untiy is ideal. Also differently, there is little interaction between the indivuals in the painting while all are just looking in different directions. These figures are meant to look very similar and cohesive. All are directed towards the viewer and none of the figures are obstructed. In the Staalmeesters, focus is on knowledge in education.

In both pieces there is a distinct secular theme, a purposefule departure from the Southern Renaissance fixation on biblical themes.

HR: Matthew Penaranda, Zack McManus

Sarah E. Lemon