Rijksmuseum's Night Watch Reveals Its Reverse Side for Key Research in Amsterdam
Rembrandt's iconic masterpiece, The Night Watch, underwent a significant temporary change in November 2021 at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The renowned painting was carefully removed from its usual position on the wall and placed at the front of a transparent glass chamber. This action marked the beginning of the final research phase for Operation Night Watch, a comprehensive project dedicated to the examination and preservation of this monumental work.
A Rare Glimpse: Viewing The Night Watch's Back in Amsterdam
During a special period until November 23, 2021, visitors to the Rijksmuseum had a unique opportunity to view the reverse side of The Night Watch. Secured in a specially designed holder, the painting allowed researchers to study its back, offering the public an uncommon perspective on the artwork. Taco Dibbits, the museum's Director General, remarked on the vulnerability and thrill of seeing the painting from this angle, noting that "you see the canvas and the timber framework, and they seem so very fragile."
Visitors viewing the back of the painting did not see Rembrandt's original 17th-century canvas directly. Instead, they observed a "support canvas" that was attached in 1975 following a previous incident, providing additional stability to the original painted surface. The timber stretcher also dates from the same year.
Unveiling Layers: The Research Process
The research phase involved several detailed investigations. In the first week of November 2021, shearography analysis was conducted in collaboration with scientists from Delft University of Technology. This process aimed to assess how well the 46-year-old support canvas was affixed to Rembrandt's original artwork and to determine the adequacy of the bonding between the two layers.
The second week of November saw researchers performing a visual study of the painting's rear using a stereoscopic microscope. In the evenings, a Macro XRF scanner was employed to examine the back of the painting, with the goal of expanding knowledge about its deepest paint layers. Following the completion of these analyses, The Night Watch was rehung in its original spot on November 23, 2021. Researchers then planned further tests to determine the best method for removing thick overpainting at the edges of the artwork, signaling the forthcoming commencement of the painting's actual restoration.
Operation Night Watch: A Landmark Conservation Effort
The extensive research and upcoming restoration are part of Operation Night Watch, recognized as the largest and most far-reaching project in the history of Rembrandt’s masterpiece. This ambitious initiative, which began in the summer of 2019, has been conducted within a specially designed, transparent glass chamber. This setup has consistently allowed the public to observe the conservation process as it unfolds. The project incorporates the latest and most advanced research technologies and techniques available. AkzoNobel serves as the main partner for Operation Night Watch, with vital support also provided by various foundations, corporate contributions, and individual donations.
To discover more about the ongoing exhibitions and conservation efforts at the Rijksmuseum, or to explore other cultural institutions, visit Musemap (musemap.art) for up-to-date information on what's on in Amsterdam or to simply browse museums across the city.
