Amsterdam: Art of My Choice
This is me next to Rembrandt’s most famous painting: The Nightwatch. It depicts a militia and is done with Rembrandt’s unique style. The background, created by looser brushstrokes, is dark and unified, however he uses light to tell us where our focus should be. The two central figures and the young girl are all bathed in light. The lighting tells us that the men are clearly important people to the group, probably filling leadership positions, but the girl has a different story. She acts as a kind of mascot for the group and her cherubic face shows innocence which they protect. It is quite an inviting piece. I personally love the warm pallet used in this example of Rembrandt’s artwork. To me it makes the atmosphere feel more approachable and up beat. This is helped by the lively expressions and actions of the figures. I especially love how the loose stroke makes the piece seem almost smokey, this helps us to see that this is a celebration.
This work of art is historically and artistically important because it is a masterpiece. It also was different from the common guild paintings of the time. Back in Rembrandt’s time, most guilds would commission a painter who would depict them as somber and dignified. This painting, on the other hand, goes against the grain. One man’s gun is accidentally going off and there is so much movement and motion from the militia figures. Rembrandt himself was inspired by the Van Eycks but he went on to inspire others. The impressionists loved his works and later on even Van Gogh said that he liked Rembrandt’s use of darker colors and this was a big influence on his early work. It had an impact!
I believe that this contributes to the fact that Amsterdam is a cultural capital because it played a piece in artistic history. It helped to inspire other art movements and influenced the art of the time. By keeping it in a museum it memorializes its influence. It also can continue to amaze people today. I stood here for quite a while, just looking at Rembrandt’s use of light. Finally, because it is a masterpiece, it shows the artistic status of the city and brings people in to come and see. This is something that only great works of art can do.
Hahaha I did not realize I made it into this picture! I love the Night Watch, it is such a wonderful piece of art. It's fascinating how dedicated the people of Amsterdam are to commemorating Rembrandt. I wonder if an important part of being a cultural capital is maintaining the importance of your historical figures. If it is, they're doing a wonderful job!
ReplyDeleteA masterpiece indeed. I liked how you talked about how the piece inspired other artistic movements. This is great for Amsterdam as a cultural capital. It gives them a feeling of power and understanding of knowledge by showcasing this artwork in their city. With people coming from all over to see it, it only aids in their cultural status.
ReplyDeleteTalk about how the blog post describes the way that a city uses art/history/architecture/science/politics to strengthen the city's position as a cultural capital.
ReplyDeleteHi! This is a really great blog post. Your thoughts are insightful and knowledgeable. I wish you talked more about art in our discussions because I get the impression from your blog post that you know a lot more on the subject than I do.
In your blog post you state that The Night Watch brings cultural capital to Amsterdam because of its importance in art history. You further state that the work's placement in a museum memorializes it. I agree that by drawing people in to see The Night Watch and other remarkable art, Amsterdam increases its value in the sight of world travelers.