I like to think of this song as Arjen Lucassen's answer to King Crimson's "Night Watch," about the same Rembrandt painting. While King Crimson's song gives us a 20th century critique of the painting, Ayreon's song brings us back to the moment it's being painted. It captures the masterpiece in all its glory, allowing us to see it as it was intended by the artist and the subjects. It even carries the title of the painting as it should be, not the title of "Night Watch" that it's come to be known by.
It might be sacrilege to dis King Crimson in front of a bunch of prog fans, but I prefer Ayreon's version. Maybe it's because I'm a Rembrandt fan and a history buff.
I like to think of this song as Arjen Lucassen's answer to King Crimson's "Night Watch," about the same Rembrandt painting. While King Crimson's song gives us a 20th century critique of the painting, Ayreon's song brings us back to the moment it's being painted. It captures the masterpiece in all its glory, allowing us to see it as it was intended by the artist and the subjects. It even carries the title of the painting as it should be, not the title of "Night Watch" that it's come to be known by.
It might be sacrilege to dis King Crimson in front of a bunch of prog fans, but I prefer Ayreon's version. Maybe it's because I'm a Rembrandt fan and a history buff.