Nachtwacht 1836 - 1861

Adolphe Mouilleron made this print, titled "Nachtwacht," using etching and engraving techniques. Mouilleron's choice to recreate Rembrandt's iconic painting through printmaking opens up questions of access and cultural dissemination in the 19th century. This was a period marked by increasing nationalism and the construction of cultural canons. The "Nachtwacht" itself, with its depiction of a civic militia, embodies a sense of collective identity and public duty, ideals that resonated strongly in the historical context of the Netherlands. Who has the right to represent history, and how does that representation shape our understanding of ourselves as citizens? The popularity of Mouilleron’s prints allowed for wider circulation of cultural heritage, raising questions about authenticity, reproduction, and the democratization of art. Mouilleron’s print invites us to reflect on the narratives we inherit and the ways in which they continue to shape our present.