Amsterdam Choice Art

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 The painting that really stuck out to me at the Rijksmuseum was the Night Watch by Rembrandt. My first impression of it was that it was a lot larger than I was expecting it to be. The amount of detail for such a large painting is so impressive and I can’t even imagine how long it must have taken to paint it. I really liked how the painting felt chaotic and there was a lot going on. Almost every person in the painting is looking in a different direction and it really draws your eyes all over the piece. I also really liked how the two people in white helped
to highlight the man standing in the middle and almost make it look like he's glowing. 

This painting is important historically because it is one of Rembrandt's most famous pieces of art. It is also very unique compared to other paintings of this type at the time because of how chaotic it is. Other companies of soldiers also got their portraits captured, but this one is very different because they aren’t all posed and serious, it is more of a real snapshot into what it might have been like to be a part of their company. The painting was commissioned so they could hang it in their banquet hall for when guests would come and meet them in Amsterdam.


This painting contributes to Amsterdam's status as a cultural capital because it is such a famous piece of art that it draws many people from all over the world here to see it. It also shows that Amsterdam is committed to preserving art, and actually when they were restoring the painting they discovered that the varnish that was used on the painting caused the paint to become darker and look like it's a night scene when it actually wasn’t. By refurbishing and taking care of the painting it shows that art is important to the culture of Amsterdam and that it is a great place to go and experience great masterpieces like the Night Watch. 



Comments

  1. Anna's Study Abroad 2024May 13, 2024 at 9:09 AM

    I chose this one too! Its a really cool painting, great thoughts! I agree that It contributes to the city's status as a cultural capital because it brings in the tourists. I think It does this by being artistically stunning and significant. People want to come see it in person because it is a masterpiece

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  2. Sam RichardsonMay 14, 2024 at 1:33 AM

    I really love how you chose this amazing painting to write your blog post about, I chose it too! I also loved how you mentioned that Amsterdam puts lots of time and money into preserving famous works of art like this one. This fully contributes to the city's status as a cultural capital of the world. The fact that these works of art also flood the city with people who want to see them also shows that Amsterdam is a cultural capital of the world! You did such a good job with this blog post and I can't wait to see what else you choose to write about!!

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  3. Caroline CaineMay 14, 2024 at 7:38 AM

    I loved reading your blog post Betsy!! I really loved seeing this painting in person, just as you did. This city uses this painting as a great way to draw people to the city and museum. Learning about how much pride a city has due to it's art work is something I am sure we both recognized. You explained how the city refurbishes it to keep it beautiful, and I think that is such a great way they show their pride!

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  4. Laynee JohnsonMay 14, 2024 at 8:54 AM

    Hey Betsy, great post. I also included in my post that often cities will dedicate money to up keeping their museums as it hold a lot of heritage and knowledge and strengthen's their reputation as a city. This painting is especially famous in Amsterdam and is visited by people all over the world! It truly is a magnificent painting that is worth the visit.

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