This book discusses Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) in great detail. 'Portrait the captain and the lieutenant among their civil guards', must have been the approximate assignment given to him. Although this work differed little from other commissions for civil guard group portraits, The Nightwatch, painted in 1642, is more exciting and original than any of the others of this genre. Everything is addressed, from the commission Rembrandt received to his unequalled painting technique and from his exceptional handling of light to the painting's reputation down through the centuries.
