Rembrandt makes this painting fascinating by his use of
light and shadow, drawing attention to certain characters and details. Though
the meaning of this painting is not known, as it seems odd that on a night
watch there would be so many spectators, it is still considered one of
Rembrandt’s best paintings.
Coming from Holland,
Rembrandt’s painting The Night Watch
represents a scene not unlike what one of the night watches in New England would have looked like, as many of the
settlers there were Dutch. These settlers were looking for a country where they
could be free, a country where their religion was not censured and condemned if
it was not the state religion. America
is the country they came to. Those who came after them were welcomed by the
Statue of Liberty representing the freedom and shelter they would receive. This
picture brings to mind the remembrance that our country is viewed as a haven of
Freedom to the whole world. When the settlers found America, they gave thanks for the
blessing of a new and wonderful country from God. As this painting recalls the
first days of our country, let us give thanks that it is still the freest
country in the world today.
