Art - Protective layer discovered in Rembrandt's "Night Watch"
The painter Rembrandt applied a previously unknown lead-based impregnation layer to his masterpiece "The Night Watch" in order to improve the painting's durability. This was discovered by researchers using the latest technology at the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY) in Hamburg, according to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where the most famous work by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn (1606 - 1669) hangs. Rembrandt knew that his painting would be hung on the inside of a damp exterior wall. A lead-based oil impregnation provides better protection against moisture and mold than the layer of glue on the canvas that was common in the 17th century.
The lead-based impregnation was discovered under the primer. This method had already been described in the 17th century, but had never been found in the paintings of Rembrandt or his contemporaries, the Rijksmuseum announced. This once again underlines Rembrandt's inventive way of working, in which he was not afraid to use new techniques.
To confirm the presence of the lead layer, a paint sample was examined at DESY in Hamburg-Bahrenfeld. This showed that there was indeed a lead-containing layer under the paint. The Night Watch was also examined using non-invasive imaging techniques at the Rijksmuseum. It became apparent that Rembrandt applied the protective layer with large, semi-circular brushstrokes.
The examination of the painting is part of "Operation Night Watch", which aims to preserve the painting as optimally as possible. The universities of Amsterdam, Utrecht and Antwerp and DESY in Hamburg are involved.
Press release Rijksmuseum Press release Desy
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- The lead-based impregnation technique used by Rembrandt in "The Night Watch" was not common during the 17th century, but had been described in texts at the time.
- The universities of Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Antwerp, along with DESY in Hamburg, are collaborating on "Operation Night Watch" to preserve Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" with the latest methods and technologies.
- Rembrandt's innovative use of a protective lead-based layer in "The Night Watch" was initially discovered in Hamburg at the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY), where researchers used advanced technology to analyze the painting.
- The painting "The Night Watch" was not only protected by a lead-based layer but also by its placement inside a damp exterior wall in Amsterdam, according to historical records.
Source: www.stern.de
