Northern Europe - Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Rembrandt's famous painting, The Night Watch, is magnificent to see. First of all, it is huge, taking up much of a wall in the Rijksmuseum (this photo shows only part of the action). Each person is detailed and it looks more like a photograph of the group rather than a portrait. During his youth, Rembrandt was one of the most successful portrait painters of his time (1606-1669), but he lost the support of his many benefactors and subjects because he refused to compromise on his portraits. If he didn't like someone or even if he "just felt like it", he would paint his subject in unflattering light or with their face partially covered! Although he died in poverty, he did get to paint whatever he wanted. (I guess there is something to say for artistic integrity.)