New Discoveries in Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch'
Researchers have uncovered surprising findings about Rembrandt's famous painting 'The Night Watch' through innovative analysis techniques.
Lead-Rich Layer Found
Using X-ray and spectroscopy technology, conservators discovered a lead-rich layer under the surface of 'The Night Watch'. This is the first time such a layer has been seen in any of Rembrandt's works. The layer may have been used to protect the canvas from moisture damage.
Researchers suspect that Rembrandt may have been influenced by a publication about the chemistry of painting, which advocated for the use of a lead-rich oil as a primer layer. This suggests that Rembrandt was willing to deviate from traditional techniques to achieve his artistic vision.
Operation Night Watch
The discovery was made as part of the ongoing conservation and analysis project called Operation Night Watch, launched by the Rijksmuseum in 2019. The project aims to delve deeper into Rembrandt's process and preserve the painting for future generations.
Through large-scale scans and advanced imaging techniques, researchers were able to visualize the chemical elements and molecular structures within the painting. This included the identification of a lead-rich layer and the composition of the ground layer.
Unraveling Mysteries
Experts had long been puzzled by the appearance of lead crystals in unexpected areas of the painting. The discovery of the lead-rich layer finally explained this mystery, as lead is commonly found in the pigment lead white. Additionally, researchers uncovered Rembrandt's use of a new ground layer mixture in 'The Night Watch'.
The success of Operation Night Watch is attributed to the collective expertise of the research team. Data from scans, conservation efforts, and curatorial interpretation all come together to provide a comprehensive understanding of the painting.
