Rembrandt protected the night watch from moisture with a special coating

The university arrives at this conclusion “from advanced analysis of an actual paint sample from the historical painting.” Researchers discovered this previously unknown layer in a 1642 painting.

The extensive research conducted on the painting was aimed at “optimally preserving the painting for the future,” the museum writes. This research actually began in the summer of 2019. The public can follow everything because the research took place in a glass room in one of the museum’s rooms, as shown in the photo above.

The method used by Rembrandt was already described in the 17th century, but was never found in the paintings of Rembrandt or his contemporaries. “This once again confirms Rembrandt’s innovative way of working, in which he was not shy about using new techniques,” the Rijksmuseum said in a message on its website.

“The painter knew that his painting would be hung on the interior of the outer (wet) wall of the great hall in the Klovenersdolen in Amsterdam. The impregnation with lead-rich oil better protected against dampness and rot than the glue layer that was common in the 17th century. It was applied to the canvas. “

The museum says a paint sample from the painting was examined using a particle accelerator in Germany. This showed the presence of a layer containing lead under the paint.

The Night Watch was also examined using special photographic techniques in the Rijksmuseum’s Honor Gallery. This confirms the presence of the special lead layer.