This is really a mainstream tourist destination (as evidenced by the huge number of pyramid poster tubes with 'Rijksmuseum' written on them that you'll see around the city). However, it holds this appeal because it is a classy art collection, in a great building.

The gallery's preeminent painting is "The Night Watch" by Rembrandt and it is hung in a place of honor at the end of a very long hallway. Surrounding it are paintings by Rembrandt's contemporaries, and all the paintings depict similar scenes, members of the city guard at their meeting house. Unlike the others however, Rembrandt's painting actually depicts the members in motion, as if they were leaving their chambers on some mission. This illusion of movement is in contrast to the other paintings where the subjects appear as rather lifeless figures in stiff poses. Also this painting is huge, almost life size.

Rembrandt's other paintings on display show his mastery of light and dark in his works. We only saw a small portion of the museum's collection and I would like to go back at some point and see the remainder of the collection. I recommend it highly, but then i went to see paintings by the man I think is the greatest painter ever.

THE MASTER OF THE HOUSEBOOK is a pioneer in the use of the tool that was to become the supreme instrument of Rembrandt's graphic art a century and a half later. Engraving into copperplate with a fine steel needle, a technique known as drypoint, permitted soft atmospheric impressions, velvety shadows, & delicate, luminous distances. This is a place designed to absorb art.

THE LETTER by Jan Vermeer centers on the role of light in creating the visible world. A door is ajar as we see the lady of the house playing a lute, disturbed by the servant matron.

THE FEAST OF ST NICHOLAS by Jan Steen is midway between Sant's pre-Christmas visit, leaving toys, candy and cake for the children. All are jolly except for the bad boy who has only received a rod. Alive with details, it is rich in the keen insight of human behavior. Now you can understand why they call these artists masters. Don't you wish you'd listened a bit more intently to your Appreciation of Art class in college?? It's not too late! Enjoy this beautiful collection the Rijksmuseum offers. A great gift shop for prints, cards, books, and gifts.