in respect to the Chiaroscuro technique…
The Nightwatch
Year: 1642
Type: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 363 cm × 437 cm (142.9 in × 172.0 in)
Location: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
There’s a tremendous amount of information available in respect to this painting, let alone about Rembrandt himself. However in respect to his mastery of the Chiaroscuro technique this painting is the ultimate definition. His clever use of the rich & intense darkness creates a unique sense of depth & intimacy, his use of the contrasting light telling us his intended story.
In comparison with Joseph Wright, whom I said hadn’t the finesse which Rembrandt possessed, I think the difference stems, in part, from the amount of dark.v.light areas in painting. In other words the total surface area where Chiaroscuro is present may be equal but the that total is spread over more evenly and in smaller doses. Also, my eye is encouraged more quickly around the image, there’s obviously more going on, more people and more story telling. This in itself means Rembrandt couldn’t have used that centrally lit technique which Wright used because he wouldn’t have been able to get everyone into such an intimate pose.
Sources:
http://www.rembrandtpainting.net/rembrandt’s_night_watch.htm accessed 03/08/2012
OCA Painting 1 Learning Log 