Unveiling Secrets of Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" with Science
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Chapter 2 Technological Advances Illuminate the Past
A collaborative effort by Belgian, Dutch, and French scientists has led to a renewed examination of “The Night Watch.” Using X-ray powder diffraction, a non-destructive research method, they sought to uncover new details about the canvas.
Their investigation revealed that since Rembrandt's last brushstroke, the painting has undergone several minor alterations. Notably, they identified lead(II) formate in various areas, a compound previously unrecognized in any known artwork.
“Lead formates were discovered in sections where lead pigments like white and yellow were not utilized. These compounds typically dissipate rapidly, which could explain why they have not been identified in works by old masters,” the researchers commented.
Did Rembrandt Experiment with Paint Composition?
The research team indicated that lead(II) formates were predominantly found in lighter colors. They hypothesized that this compound might have been present in the paint at the time of its creation. Through synchrotron radiation tests at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble (ESRF), they discovered that Rembrandt likely mixed lead(II) oxide with linseed oil to expedite the drying of his bright paints. This reaction would have produced lead(II) formate.
This finding could suggest aspects of the artist's character—if he sought to accelerate the drying process, it might imply he had an exceptional impatience.
[Photo: Rembrandt, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons]
Despite these findings, researchers also entertain the possibility that the lead(II) formate originated from later restoration efforts. However, they acknowledge that Rembrandt was already recognized for his innovative approaches during his lifetime, often experimenting with light and shadow effects and altering the arrangement of figures in his works. “The Night Watch” exemplifies this creativity. Today, the painting resides in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Source: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
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