Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch' at Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Begins Intensive Conservation Stage
The significant conservation work on Rembrandt's iconic painting, 'The Night Watch,' has commenced at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. This crucial phase involves carefully detaching the canvas from its original wooden stretcher frame. The aim is to remount the masterpiece onto a new aluminum stretcher, addressing existing structural issues.
Addressing Structural Imperfections
The decision to remount the painting stems from observed deformations, particularly in the upper left corner. These indicate an uneven distribution of tension across the canvas. Such inconsistencies necessitate immediate attention to secure the painting for future generations. Retensioning the canvas and correcting these deformations are fundamental to this structural treatment, which is anticipated to take two to three months.
According to Taco Dibbits, Director of the Rijksmuseum, the accumulated knowledge from years of research is now being applied to ensure the painting remains in optimal condition for long-term enjoyment.
A New Approach to Mounting
The current phase involves carefully laying 'The Night Watch' on a specialized table within its glass chamber for detachment. Following this, the canvas's deformations will be rectified before it is mounted onto a custom-built aluminum stretcher frame.
A key innovation in this treatment is the use of a new tensioning method incorporating springs. These springs are designed to distribute tension uniformly across the canvas. Sensors will be integrated to continuously monitor the tension, allowing for precise adjustments as needed. This technique has been successfully employed before, notably for Jan Willem Pieneman's 1824 painting 'The Battle of Waterloo,' a work even larger than 'The Night Watch,' which remains in excellent condition.
Operation Night Watch: A Comprehensive Effort
This intensive structural work is part of the larger 'Operation Night Watch,' the most extensive research and conservation project ever undertaken for Rembrandt’s masterpiece. Over the past two and a half years, a dedicated team has meticulously mapped 'The Night Watch' using advanced imaging and computing technologies. This detailed analysis has significantly deepened understanding of the painting's creation and current physical state.
Launched in summer 2019, the project is famously conducted within a transparent glass chamber, allowing museum visitors to observe the process firsthand. The Rijksmuseum collaborates with numerous institutions and experts for 'Operation Night Watch,' including its main partner AkzoNobel.
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