In Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum unveils its recent acquisition, Rembrandt's "The Standard Bearer", which takes its place among other masterpieces of the seventeenth century in the museum's Gallery of Honour. Formerly owned by the Rothschild family, when the family offered it for sale, France declared the painting a "National Treasure" subject to an export ban. But the Louvre waived its right to purchase, having been unable to raise sufficient funds. It was then acquired by the Rijksmuseum for €175 million on the open market. It is unlikely that a Rembrandt of this importance will become available again, since "The Standard Bearer" was the last of his major paintings left in private hands – the rest are all in public collections. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES