In a spectacular fusion of old and new, Operation Night Watch employs a series of ground-breaking tools and techniques to carry out a major investigation and restoration of Rembrandt’s 377-year-old painting. And it all happens with the world watching and getting involved.
Started on the 8th of July, a dedicated project team of researchers, conservators and restorers from the Rijksmuseum worked in close collaboration with museums and universities in the Netherlands and abroad, including AkzoNobel colour specialists. They are encased in a special glass chamber, which has been constructed in front of the painting to ensure it can remain on display for museum visitors.
The initial research phase goes beyond anything previously attempted in the art world. It involves taking thousands of ultra-high resolution photographs (using a purpose-built imaging frame) and employing sophisticated scanners and lasers to investigate the artwork at microscopic levels. Once the research phase is over, several terabytes of data will have been collected. This will be carefully analyzed to determine the best way to proceed in terms of restoring The Night Watch for generations to come.
Thierry Vanlancker and Taco Dibbits symbolically sign the partnership agreement in front of The Night Watch
“We’re about to embark on the biggest and most innovative restoration in the museum’s 219-year history,” explains General Director of the Rijksmuseum, Taco Dibbits. “The Rijksmuseum continually monitors the condition of The Night Watch, and we’ve discovered that changes are occurring, such as blanching on the figure of the dog in the lower right of the painting. To gain a better understanding of its condition as a whole, the decision has been taken to conduct a thorough examination. So we’re extremely grateful to AkzoNobel, as the work that’s being carried out with their support is vital.”
Adds AkzoNobel CEO, Thierry Vanlancker: “We’re incredibly proud to be the main partner for this amazing project. As a company which believes in taking its innovation beyond generations, we’re excited to be contributing our expertise and passion for paint to help restore a cultural icon.
“There’s a natural link between us, not only because our company also has a long and proud heritage. We’re similarly driven by exploring new horizons and being inspired by the past while building for the future. So we have a lot of expertise to share and can’t wait to play a key role in helping to advance our technical understanding of colour.”
Operation Night Watch will pose some fundamental questions. How was the painting made? What was the original appearance of the painting intended by Rembrandt? What is the current condition of The Night Watch? What type of paint alterations have taken place and why? The search for these answers will unfold in full view of the watching world, with visitors being able to see the scientists up close, while the whole thing will be streamed live online.
The technology being used is mind-boggling. The 11,400 photographs being taken will have a resolution of 5,430 dpi. Special scanners are used to look into the cracks and crevices, while the pigments will be examined at a nano level using a hi-tech laser. The resulting images are then made available to the public so they can help validate the data.
“We’re about to rock the world of paintings conservation and do things that have never been attempted before,” says Robert van Langh, the Rijksmuseum’s Head of Conservation and Science. “First of all, we need to find out what we’re up against. With a partner like AkzoNobel on board, we’re confident we’ll take our understanding of paint to the next level – and I don’t just mean one level, I’m talking three or four levels.”
The three-year partnership continues a long association between AkzoNobel and the Rijksmuseum, which included supplying around 8,000 litres of paint during the museum’s decade-long renovation. This involved developing a special colour palette (known as the Sikkens RIJKS Colors), which matched the colours originally used by architect Pierre Cuypers.
The Rijksmuseum – which attracted more than two million visitors in 2018 – owns the world’s biggest and most representative collection of Rembrandts. You can watch the restoration of The Night Watch as it happens by visiting www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/nightwatch
About AkzoNobel
AkzoNobel has a passion for paint. We’re experts in the proud craft of making paints and coatings, setting the standard in colour and protection since 1792. Our world-class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. Headquartered in the Netherlands, we are active in over 150 countries and employ around 34,500 talented people who are passionate about delivering the high-performance products and services our customers expect.
About the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the museum of the Netherlands and world famous for its masterpieces by Rembrandt and other Dutch artists of the Golden Age. Over two million visitors yearly are greeted in a historical building, many exhibitions, lively events, fine amenities for young and old and a great café and restaurant. As the national museum, the Rijksmuseum presents an overview of Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages onwards, and of major aspects of European and Asian art. At the heart of the building is the spectacular Gallery of Honor, where beloved paintings by Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Johannes Vermeer and Rembrandt are on show. This gallery leads you to the dedicated space created for Rembrandt’s greatest masterpiece: The Night Watch.
For more information, please visit: www.akzonobel.com