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Restoring 'The Night Watch'
The Rijksmuseum's extensive restoration of Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch' involves removing old varnish and retouches, revealing the painting's original state after 380 years.
Dutch
Netherlands
LifestyleHistoryArtRestorationMuseumPainting
Rijksmuseum
Taco DibbitsAnna KrekelerRembrandt
- What is the method being used to remove the varnish?
- The process of removing the varnish is painstaking, done centimeter by centimeter using a tissue soaked in solvent. The old varnish is being removed because of cracking and yellowing, which reduces its transparency.
- What is the main focus of the current Rijksmuseum project?
- The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is undertaking a large-scale restoration of Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch'. The project involves removing the varnish layer applied in 1975, as well as previous retouches, to reveal the painting's original appearance.
- What is the estimated timeline for the complete restoration?
- The restoration is expected to take several years and will include the application of a new varnish layer, retouching, and a new frame. The Rijksmuseum emphasizes that the painting's condition dictates the pace of the restoration.
- How will the painting look during the varnish removal process?
- The removal of the varnish layer will temporarily make the painting look pale and grayish, as the varnish provides gloss and color saturation. A new varnish layer will be applied later to restore the painting's vibrancy.
- What were some key findings from the five years of research preceding the restoration?
- Five years of research preceded the restoration, revealing an unknown sketch and a lead-based layer under the paint. This research informs the restoration process, which aims to enhance the painting's readability and address damage while being very cautious.