REMBRANDT, THE NIGHT WATCH Ensign-Bearer Jan Visscher Cornelisen BU Proof Medal 40mm ca30g 24k Gold Plated Copper In Capsule. BB2

In 1637, Jan Visscher Cornelisen – both wealthy and single - is appointed standard-bearer in the company. He is described as a well-educated merchant with an inquisitive mind and a broad interest. Moreover, he owns a large collection of books, paintings and drawings. His shining reputation makes Cornelisen the perfect militia’s ‘golden boy’, which we quite literally see reflected in his highlighted position in the Nightwatch.

The Night Watch is a 1642 painting by Rembrandt van Rijn. It is in the collection of the Amsterdam Museum but is prominently displayed in the Rijksmuseum as the best-known painting in its collection.
The painting depicts the company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq and his lieutenant, Willem van Ruytenburgh, surrounded by sixteen of their men. The other people who appear in the painting were added by Rembrandt with an eye to enhancing the composition.
It’s a tall order becoming a standard-bearer with the militia. As well as coming from a wealthy family, you need to be single. After all, it is the standard-bearer who is in the front line during battle. So if he dies, at least he will not leave a mourning wife and children.