In the Night Watch, Rembrandt applied a layer with lead to protect the work from moisture

As part ofOperation Night Watch, launched in 2019, new research has revealed another novelty in the Night Watch, Rembrandt ’s masterpiece created between 1640 and 1642 and now housed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Indeed, it was discovered that the artist, in order to protect the painting frommoisture, spread a very first protective layer containing lead. Such a lead-based impregnation has never before been observed in either Rembrandt’s other paintings or those of his contemporaries. A discovery therefore that highlights the innovative method of the artist, who never hesitated to experiment and use new techniques.

Rembrandt knew that his painting would hang on the inside of the outside wall of the great hall of the Kloveniersdoelen in Amsterdam. An impregnation of lead-rich oil would have provided better protection against moisture and mold than the layer of glue usually applied to canvases in the seventeenth century.

The discovery was made using multiple techniques, including noninvasive diagnostic imaging, and the lead distribution map also shows the large semicircular brushstrokes with which the artist applied this protective layer. And also the imprint of the original frame on which the canvas was mounted when the preparation layers were applied.

Image: Rembrandt, The Night Watch (1640-1642; oil on canvas, 363 x 437 cm; Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum)

In the Night Watch, Rembrandt applied a layer with lead to protect the work from moisture

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.