Restoration of Rembrandt's Night Watch Begins: A Journey Through Time

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has commenced a groundbreaking restoration of Rembrandt's famed Night Watch, promising to unveil hidden secrets of this celebrated artwork.

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has begun a remarkable restoration process for Rembrandt van Rijn's iconic painting, The Night Watch, commencing with the removal of varnish in an effort dubbed "Operation Night Watch." Over five years of intensive research, which utilized cutting-edge techniques like digital imaging and artificial intelligence, laid the groundwork for this vital project. Eight skilled restorers are now handling the delicate task of unveiling the painting's history, all while being observed by the public in a specially designed glass-enclosed space within The Night Watch Room.

Rijksmuseum general director Taco Dibbits shared the excitement of the milestone, highlighting the significance of revealing the masterpiece's storied past through this restoration. He stated, "Removing the varnish will provide insight into The Night Watch's eventful history. It will be a distinct experience for the public to follow this process up close.”

The varnish, initially applied during a restoration phase between 1975 and 1976, is being gently removed using microfibre cloths and cotton swabs, following extensive scientific research and preliminary tests conducted on other artworks. The Night Watch, originally commissioned for Amsterdam's Arquebusiers Guild Hall in 1642, is a luminous example of the Dutch Golden Age and remains one of the most well-known paintings in global art history. Often misinterpreted due to years of accumulated dirt and dark varnish, the piece is revealed to depict a dynamic scene filled with depth and vibrancy, led by a captain commanding his troops.

Over the years, The Night Watch has been subjected to multiple attacks, including a knife slashing in both 1911 and 1975, as well as an acid spraying in 1990, which fortunately resulted in minimal damage due to quick action by museum staff. Having undergone treatment at least 25 times, this emerging restoration project signifies the most comprehensive intervention yet.

Every year, over two million visitors flock to the Rijksmuseum to witness this masterpiece, as the unveiling of its hidden layers continues to captivate both art enthusiasts and the public alike.