Discovery of Rembrandt's Canine Inspiration in "The Night Watch"

Researchers at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam have identified the inspiration behind the barking dog featured in Rembrandt van Rijn's iconic 1642 painting, "The Night Watch." This revelation emerged during "Operation Night Watch," an extensive restoration project that began in 2019. The dog is believed to be modeled after a 1619 drawing by Dutch artist Adriaen van de Venne, which was used as a title page illustration for Jacob Cats's book "Self-Stryt" ("Self-Restraint"). Anne Lenders, a curator involved in the project, discovered the drawing while visiting an exhibition at the Zeeuws Museum.

Associated PressSwindon AdvertiserThe Dog in Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’ Has a Surprising OriginThe Night Watch dog: discovered the artist who inspired Rembrandt

The resemblance between the two dogs is striking. Both dogs are depicted looking upward in the same direction, with similar head shapes and collar designs. However, Rembrandt adapted the dog for his composition, portraying it in a more alert stance, seemingly reacting to the sound of a nearby drummer. Lenders noted that the dog in "The Night Watch" appears ready to run, enhancing the painting's dynamic atmosphere.

New York Times

Taco Dibbits, director of the Rijksmuseum, emphasized that this finding sheds light on Rembrandt's artistic process, highlighting that he was not merely a genius creating in isolation but rather an artist who drew inspiration from his predecessors. "It was more like borrowing inspiration, and then changing it around," Dibbits stated. This practice of emulation was common among artists of the time, allowing them to build upon existing works.

Associated Press

The restoration of "The Night Watch" has revealed additional insights into Rembrandt's techniques. Through advanced imaging methods, conservators discovered that the dog was initially sketched in a different pose, closer to the ground. The ongoing project aims to restore the painting's original vibrancy and clarity, which has been compromised over the years, including damage from a 1975 vandalism incident.

The Dog in Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’ Has a Surprising Origin

Despite the detailed study, experts remain uncertain about the specific breed of the dog depicted. Opinions vary, with some suggesting it could be a precursor to the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or a Dutch Smoushond. Dibbits remarked, "We will never have a conclusion on which breed it is, but it’s definitely very much loved."

New York Times

The revelations surrounding the dog in "The Night Watch" exemplify the ongoing journey of art historical research. As Dibbits noted, "The great thing with great art is that you always keep discovering things." This discovery not only enriches our understanding of Rembrandt's work but also reinforces the notion that even centuries-old masterpieces continue to yield new insights into the artists' creative processes.

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• “I wasn’t looking for this; it was really unexpected,” — Anne Lenders, Curator, Rijksmuseum

Associated Press

• “It was called emulation.” — Taco Dibbits, Director, Rijksmuseum

The Dog in Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’ Has a Surprising Origin

• “The dog plays a really crucial role because the captain is giving the command that the company has to start marching.” — Anne Lenders, Curator, Rijksmuseum

The Dog in Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’ Has a Surprising Origin

• “This finding gives us yet more insight into Rembrandt’s thought processes when creating this work.” — Taco Dibbits, Director, Rijksmuseum

The Dog in Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’ Has a Surprising Origin