The research team, led by Dr. Joris Dik, employed a combination of advanced imaging techniques, including macro X-ray fluorescence and infrared reflectography, to analyze the composition and structure of The Night Watch canvas. The results showed that Rembrandt applied a thin layer of lead-based material, likely a mixture of lead white and lead-tin yellow pigments, to the entire canvas before painting. This layer, which acted as a preparatory ground for the oil paint, was particularly concentrated in the areas of the painting with deep shadows, such as the background and the faces of the figures in the foreground.
This innovative approach allowed Rembrandt to achieve an unprecedented level of control over the light and dark areas of the painting. The lead-infused ground layer enhanced the luminosity and transparency of the superimposed oil paint, resulting in rich, nuanced shadows that appear almost three-dimensional.
"Rembrandt's use of lead-based impregnation was a revolutionary step in painting technique," said Dr. Dik. "It allowed him to break away from the traditional methods of his time and achieve a level of chiaroscuro and visual impact that was simply unmatched by his contemporaries."
The researchers believe that Rembrandt's use of lead compounds may also have had a practical purpose, as lead-based materials were known in the 17th century for their ability to improve the drying time of oil paint. This would have been particularly beneficial for a large-scale painting like The Night Watch, which measures approximately 12 feet wide by 15 feet high.
The Rijksmuseum team's findings shed new light on Rembrandt's artistic process and technical ingenuity, further solidifying his status as one of the most influential and innovative painters of all time. The study also underscores the importance of scientific research in understanding and preserving the world's cultural heritage.
