"The Standard Bearer" has returned to its homeland

Rembrandt's painting "The Standard Bearer" has returned to its homeland. This event was long-awaited and caused much excitement. In early December 2022, the Netherlands announced its intention to purchase the painting, which became available after France's unsuccessful attempt to raise funds for its acquisition.

The Rothschild family from France set the price for the painting at €175 million. The Dutch government allocated €150 million, with the remaining €25 million contributed by the Rijksmuseum and the Rembrandt Association. All that was needed was approval from the senate and the lower house of parliament, which was granted despite criticism due to the coronavirus crisis and opinions on the untimeliness of the purchase. However, the significance of Rembrandt prevailed, and the national treasure returned home.

In the painting, the 30-year-old Rembrandt depicted himself as a standard-bearer, one of the leaders of the Eighty Years' War for Dutch independence (1555-1648). The painting, created in 1636, six years before "The Night Watch," represents an important stage in the artist's career. Rijksmuseum director Taco Dibbits noted, "This is Rembrandt's artistic breakthrough, a precursor to 'The Night Watch.' The painting is closely connected to Dutch culture and history, symbolizing the rebellious spirit of the artist and his country."

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