Remarkable Discovery at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum: Source Drawing for The Night Watch's Dog Identified
Amsterdam's iconic Rijksmuseum has unveiled a significant art historical discovery related to Rembrandt's masterpiece, The Night Watch. Researchers have identified a previously unknown drawing by Adriaen van de Venne (1590–1662) as the direct inspiration for the barking dog depicted in the renowned 17th-century painting. This finding emerged from Operation Night Watch, the most extensive research and restoration project ever undertaken on the work.
The drawing, which has been part of the Rijksmuseum's collection for over a century, shares striking resemblances with the dog in Rembrandt's painting. Art historians noted the identical upward gaze, slightly open mouth, and dark line marking the right eye. Both dogs also feature a skullcap divided into two sections and similar collars. While Rembrandt made slight alterations, such as a flatter nose and more prominent tongue, the foundational imagery is clear.
Shedding Light on Rembrandt's Creative Process
The similarities extend beyond superficial details. The overall posture of the dogs is also comparable, with both positioned diagonally and their upper bodies close to the ground. An earlier phase of the dog in The Night Watch, revealed through advanced macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) analysis in a recently discovered underpainted sketch, showed an even closer match to Van de Venne's drawing. In this initial rendering, Rembrandt’s dog had a more bent right front leg and its chest closer to the ground, aligning more closely with Van de Venne's depiction of a dog lying on its front legs.
The original drawing, created in 1619, was a design for the title page of Jacob Cats' popular book, Self-stryt. It illustrates the biblical tale of Joseph being tempted by Potiphar's wife. Evidence suggests Rembrandt was familiar with Van de Venne's work, as he explored similar themes in his own art, including his 1655 painting Joseph Accused by Potiphar’s Wife and a 1634 etching, which echo elements from Van de Venne's drawing. Rembrandt was known to own a vast collection of prints and drawings, and often drew inspiration from existing visual sources for figures in The Night Watch.
Exploring The Night Watch at Rijksmuseum
This latest discovery underscores the enduring secrets held within The Night Watch, nearly 400 years after its creation. The ongoing Operation Night Watch project continues to bring together scientists, restorers, and curators to study and preserve the painting for future generations. Visitors to the Rijksmuseum can observe this groundbreaking research firsthand, as it is conducted in a specially designed glass chamber. Currently, restorers are focusing on removing the varnish, a crucial step in the painting's conservation. More information on this extensive project is available through Operation Night Watch.
For those interested in delving deeper into the painting's mysteries from home, the Rijksmuseum has also launched a new six-part YouTube series, "The Night Watch: Every Inch a Story". This series explores hidden details and historical context, featuring insights from art historians, researchers, and restorers involved in Operation Night Watch. New episodes are released every Wednesday on the Rijksmuseum’s YouTube channel.
This fascinating revelation provides another layer of understanding for one of the world's most studied paintings, inviting visitors to look closer at every detail during their next visit to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. To discover more cultural experiences and exhibitions across the city, explore Musemap (musemap.art) or browse other compelling museums in Amsterdam.
