Rembrandt van Rijn's masterpiece 'The Night Watch,' one of the world's most famous paintings, was the target of a knife attack at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The 17th-century painting, which depicts a militia company led by Captain Frans Banninck Cocq, has been housed at the prestigious Dutch museum where it serves as one of the institution's most prized artworks.

The attack specifically targeted the civic guard company portrayed in the painting, marking another incident in the artwork's troubled history with vandalism attempts. 'The Night Watch,' painted by Rembrandt between 1640 and 1642, is considered one of the most important works of the Dutch Golden Age and represents a pinnacle of Baroque painting techniques.

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has served as the permanent home for this iconic work, where it attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. The painting's significance extends beyond its artistic merit, as it represents a crucial piece of Dutch cultural heritage and stands as testament to Amsterdam's rich history during its golden age of prosperity and artistic achievement.

Museum security and conservation experts are likely assessing any potential damage to the artwork following this latest incident. 'The Night Watch' has previously survived various threats throughout its centuries-long existence, including damage during World War II and previous vandalism attempts, making it one of the most closely monitored artworks in the world.