De Nachtwacht (1642) - Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669)

The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn, painted in 1642, is a masterpiece of the Dutch Golden Age and one of the most iconic works of art in history. Officially titled "Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banning Cocq," it depicts a lively group portrait of a civic militia preparing to march. Renowned for its grand scale, intricate details, and masterful use of light and shadow, the painting captures dynamic movement and highlights individual expressions within the group. This artwork is celebrated for breaking the conventions of traditional group portraits, adding drama and storytelling to a typically static genre. Housed in Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, The Night Watch is a timeless symbol of Rembrandt’s genius and the cultural pride of the Netherlands.