Lessons from Rembrandt and The Night Watch
- Edward Roscoe
- Feb 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 17
Read time 4 minutes
Lessons from Rembrandt and The Night Watch
Few names in the world of classical artwork command as much respect as Rembrandt van Rijn. A master of light and shadow, a pioneer of realism artwork, and a man whose life was as dramatic as the paintings he created, Rembrandt remains an inspiration for artists and collectors alike. One of his best-known works, The Night Watch, stands out as much for its mystery as its artistic brilliance. The painting is a master class in the importance of tone and storytelling in artwork. Beyond his artwork, Rembrandt's life can teach valuable lessons about perseverance, self-expression, and the unpredictable nature of success.
The Mystery and Brilliance of The Night Watch
One of the most fascinating aspects of The Night Watch is the sense of movement and drama that Rembrandt injected into what could have been a static group portrait. When we first look at The Night Watch, despite the obvious focal points in the picture, the figures are arranged in such a way as to make each feel like an individual. Their eyes look in different directions, giving a sense that they are aiming for various things. Too often, in our compositions, we fall back on rules to prevent the art from becoming noisy. Rembrandt masterfully ignores that rule and uses light alone to guide the eye before allowing it to wander into the chaotic maelstrom of the crowd. Giving authority to the key figures, not by delicate dress but by light. It is interesting that while considered art of the realism style, it would be a strange place to have light such as this. It is a reminder that even in the most realistic paintings, we should not strive to paint what is there but what it feels like to be there. We have all had the experience of a familiar or expected face seeming to stick out in a crowd, and how better to show this than with tone. It is also an already well-established point that Rembrandt was a master of tone. The Night Watch is no exception and should stand as a reminder to anyone who creates art that if in doubt, pushes the contrast.
Lesson: Composition matters. Whether you're working on fine artwork or even pixel artwork, studying how Rembrandt arranged figures in The Night Watch can teach you about movement, storytelling, and tone.
The Human Soul on Canvas
As already mentioned The Night Watch captures people in it as individuals not mearly a large crowd moving in a unified way. Yet the painting and the figures in it still seem to be moving towards some colective goal. This is a very real thing that we have all expirenced from the dawn of time. We have to work and move togeather yet our eyes are focused on different priorities.
Lesson: Capture the essence of your subject. Whether you're creating realisum or minimalist artwork, focuse on the root feeling behind what your create. Let human experience guide your pieces.
Resilience Through Hardship
Rembrandt's life was filled with both artistic triumph and personal tragedy. Despite his initial success, he later faced financial ruin and personal loss, yet he never stopped creating. His wife, Saskia, passed away early in their marriage, and later, his long-time companion, Hendrickje Stoffels, was condemned by the church. He also lost several of his children in infancy. These personal tragedies deeply affected him and are reflected in the raw emotion of his artwork. It is all too easy to place the struggling artist onto a pedestal, but we can all learn the importance of engaging with our emotions through art.
Lesson: Success is unpredictable, and hardship is inevitable. If you face art blocks or setbacks, push through them. The artworks you create in times of struggle may become your most powerful pieces.
Breaking Artistic Norms
At a time when Renaissance artwork and classical artwork dominated the scene, Rembrandt chose a different path. The Night Watch was unconventional in its composition, lighting, and storytelling. He challenged the conventions of portraiture, historical painting, and realism, influencing later movements such as impressionist artwork and realism artwork.
Lesson: Dare to defy conventions. Whether you're experimenting with horror artwork, fantasy art, or psychedelic paintings, don't be afraid to innovate and find your own voice.
The Business of Art
Rembrandt was not just a great painter also a savvy businessman. He built a gallery and trained numerous students, selling both his own work and those of his apprentices. However, an extravagant lifestyleand declining commissions led to mounting debts. The drop in commissions was likely due to a shift in the artistic trends of the time.
Lesson: If you are creating artwork to sell or in any line of business then you must move with the times and keep an eye on your expences. It is better to switch up your style and lead the trends than be left behind.
A Legacy That Endures
Today, The Night Watch is one of the most famous paintings in the world, housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The impact of Rembrandt extends beyond museums—his influence can be seen in traditional artwork, contemporary art, and even digital mediums like space artwork and fantasy artwork. The injection of storytelling and movement are necessary for much of the art we love today.
Lesson: We are story telling creatures and if you inject a story into your painting it will be timeless. I could be a scene as Rembrandt did or the story behind a persons expression.
Final Thoughts
Rembrandt wasn't just a painter. He was a storyteller and an innovator who poured his heart into his work. His masterpiece, The Night Watch, stands as a testament to his genius and ability to ignore and break norms for the sake of following an artistic vision. While his financial troubles stand as a reminder of what happens when you stay still, and unable to reinvent yourself. His work persistence, honesty, and a deep understanding of human nature have left a lasting legacy.
What lessons do you take from Rembrandt's The Night Watch?
Share them in the comments or explore my artwork website to see how his legacy continues to shape the art world today.
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