The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is buzzing with excitement as the restoration of Rembrandt's iconic painting, "The Night Watch," officially begins. After five years of in-depth research involving digital imaging and AI, a dedicated team of eight restorers has embarked on "Operation Night Watch." Their task? To remove layers of old varnish that have shrouded the artwork's true beauty, and they will do it all in front of an eager public in The Night Watch Room.
Rijksmuseum director Taco Dibbits expressed excitement, stating, “Removing the varnish will reveal The Night Watch's eventful history. It will be a unique experience for the public to follow this process up close.” The removal performance kicks off with humble tools like microfibre cloths and cotton swabs to cleanse the painting, which has been obscured since its last restoration in the mid-1970s.
Originally named the "Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banning Cocq," this masterpiece from 1642 illustrates a bustling group of soldiers. Its nickname, "The Night Watch," emerged due to the misleading dark varnish that developed over decades, giving it a nighttime appearance.
Sadly, "The Night Watch" has faced threats over the years, including knife attacks and acid splashes, but the painting has always bounced back. This extensive restoration aims to offer clearer visuals and is expected to intrigue over two million annual visitors who flock to see this piece of Dutch Golden Age history.
