The Night Watch

I live in a big, quiet room. But it's not always quiet. Sometimes, golden light peeks in and makes my colors glow. I can hear the soft shush of sleepy feet walking by. I can hear the tap-tap-tap of a drum from long ago. I am full of people getting ready for a big adventure. They are all my friends, painted right here with me. Hello. I am a giant painting, and my name is The Night Watch. I love when the sunshine makes me warm and bright. It feels like a big, happy hug.

A very kind painter made me. His name was Rembrandt van Rijn, and he had a wonderful, big imagination. He made me a long, long, long time ago, way back in the year 1642. He used a giant piece of cloth, as big as a wall. He mixed up gooey, colorful paints on a little board. Swish, swoosh went his brush. He painted a brave captain wearing a black suit with a bright red sash. He painted the captain’s friend right next to him, all dressed in sunny yellow. He painted lots and lots of other people, too. They were all part of a special team that helped keep their city, Amsterdam, safe and sound. They were like helpers for their town.

For many, many years, friends and families have come to visit me. They stand and look up, up, up at all my colors. Little children giggle when they spot the small, bouncy dog barking at the drum. Yap, yap, yap. They point at the little girl who glows with light, like she is holding a tiny lantern just for you. I show everyone that when people work together as a team, they can be strong and brave. I love when you come to see me. I hope I help you imagine your own wonderful adventures with your friends.