QUICK TAKES - March 13, 2009

A study commissioned by the Netherlands National Museum says “Night Watch,” one of Rembrandt’s most famous paintings, was part of a series by leading Dutch artists of his day and was meant to be displayed alongside the others.

The study by art historian Bas Dudok van Heel also elaborates on the people depicted in the painting, matching names with faces for the first time.

Museum spokeswoman Elles Camphuis said Thursday the study found that “Night Watch” was originally “part of an unbroken frieze” lining the walls of the Great Hall of the civic guard building where it was kept.