Restoring Rembrandt's Iconic Painting "The Night Watch"
Shielded from the public by glass panels and staring intently through microscopes, a team of specialists has started work restoring Rembrandt's “The Night Watch,” one of the most iconic paintings of the Dutch golden age.
Challenging Restoration Process
Eight art conservators are painstakingly removing multiple layers of varnish from Rembrandt's masterpiece depicting Amsterdam's civil guard on patrol.
Complex Operation at Rijksmuseum
"Operation Night Watch," as their work has been called, is so difficult that they do not know when it will end at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum.
History of Varnish Applications
The varnish was applied to the 3.62 meters x 4.37 meters work — painted in 1642 — as past restorers sought to preserve its beauty as well as fix it after attacks by vandals.
Yellowing Varnish and Restoration Efforts
"We monitored The Night Watch for years and we saw that over the past few years the varnish had yellowed and also become at some points less transparent," Rijksmuseum director Taco Dibbits said.
Delicate Restoration Techniques
Inside an enclosed area, Anna Krekeler carefully applied a tiny piece of highly absorbent tissue to a part of the painting, starting a meticulous restoration process.
Public Engagement and Transparency
During the restoration process, the public can witness the painting being restored to its original glory, revealing its true colors without the layers of varnish.
Progress and Future Plans
Removing old varnish marks the third stage in a five-year research and conservation project, with upcoming steps including applying new varnish and retouching old damages.
Uncertain Completion Date
Rijksmuseum director Dibbits mentioned that the timeline for "Operation Night Watch" is unpredictable as the pace of restoration is determined by the artwork itself.
