Rembrandt & Velázquez at the Rijksmuseum

The 17th century was marked by a protracted war between Holland and Spain. Two of the greatest painters of all time, Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (1606-1669) and Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez (1599-1660), experienced extraordinary artistic flourishes during this period. The masters did not know each other and yet their works show striking similarities in terms of themes such as faith, wealth, power and love.

The Ensign
In addition to works by Rembrandt and Velázquez, the exhibition features masterpieces by Murillo, Vermeer, Zurbarán, Hals and Ribera. The highlight of the exhibition is Rembrandt's The Flagbearer (1636). The costumed self-portrait in moody sepia is shown sporadically at the Rijksmuseum.

"The Ensign is a key work in Rembrandt's oeuvre: 'It is the first work in which Rembrandt presents himself fully as an independent artist. He paints not on commission, as with Marten & Oopjen, but freely, and uses that freedom to the full. Playing with paint, the dashing touch, that mustache that curls so beautifully: all the freedom of the late Rembrandt is already in it," said Rijksmuseum director Taco Dibbits in Het Volkskrant. 

Operation Night Watch
Currently, Rembrandt's Night Watch is being restored. Researchers and conservators are working in a glass room so that visitors can watch the operation live. The painting is being meticulously mapped by various techniques. All layers are being examined: from varnish to canvas.