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Painting:

The Night Watch

«  page 2 of 6  »

by Jane Urquhart for Mieke Bevelander

Painting: "The Company of Frans Banning Cocq and Willem Van Ruytenburch (Night Watch)," by Rembrandt van Rijn, 1642

Published in the April/May 2004 issue.  » BUY ISSUE     

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2
This never happens
There is no embarkation
No sound of fumbling oarlock
No liquid plunge of oar
They walk instead toward the wall
Approach the masterpiece
Step over the gorgeous gilt framing
Greet the members of the company
And enter the chaotic composition
3
All carry drums and flags
And weapons the sash and plume
Are lit as if the spine of bayonet
Were something to be trusted
No one can name the columned
Architecture nor understand
The swift glance of Saskia
Furtive in the midst of artillery and commerce
Her partner is everyone

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