A large team of specialists—scientists, curators, conservators, computer and AI specialists—began their research in 2019. Two and a half years later, they finally moved into Phase Two. The assignment? To restore a 12’ x 14.5’ painting titled The Night Watch (1642), by Rembrandt.
Example of equipment used during research phase, while museum visitors watched.
In 2022 a team removed the painting from its wooden stretcher (applied in the 1970s) and re-stretched it on an aluminum frame with springs, to keep the tension evenly distributed.
Beginning in November 2024 and still in process, conservators work to remove the varnish layers from the 1970s and 1990s, clouding the painting with a yellowish cast, muting the colors, and obscuring details. The task is accomplished with microfiber fiber tissue prepared with solvent.
Imagine the resplendence of Rembrandt’s work when the restoration is complete!
Once these layers are removed, the team will determine whether older layers of varnish can be removed, and what solvent will work best. They’ll also switch from the tissues to cotton swabs, and slowly but surely reveal the beauty that lies beneath.
What details might conservators discover for this soldier?
They’ll also address damage caused by knife attacks and deterioration of the paint. The team expects to conclude in 2027-28.
The world is filled with masterpieces in need of restoration—and not just ancient works of art. These masterpieces include you, me, and all mankind. Scripture tells us we are God’s workmanship–“his own master work, a work of art” (Ephesians 2:10 AMP).
But like The Night Watch, our true selves are clouded and discolored by self-centeredness, discontentment, unforgiveness, and more. We too need restoration, and God himself has engineered the way for us to be made new:
Those layers of the old life include harmful actions like a quick temper, unhealthy thought-patterns like worry, and unwholesome choices like holding a grudge. As they’re removed, the lustrous colors of the fruit of the Spirit begin to shine through—love, joy, peace, patience, and more.
And just as conservators are finding new details in The Night Watch, we find newness of life in our relationship with God—new perspectives and purposes, new desires and motives, new goals and passions, new hopes for the future and new power to face whatever comes.
The process does take time, as if God works with a Q-tip. But that’s because he works with gentleness and patience to mature us.*
I suppose if a painting could feel all that rubbing (gentle as it may be), there’d be discomfort. But it wouldn’t take long for hope to settle in—hope for the day when the beauty of what lies beneath becomes visible— when every lovely detail is revealed and the colors glow with vibrancy.
Surely the painting would decide: the results are worth the process. How much more should we welcome the restorative work of God, knowing that submission to him turns:
- Deafness in our spirits to sensitivity for God’s voice
- Blindness to God’s involvement in our lives to seeing the evidence of his work nearly everywhere
- Disinterest in the Bible to hunger for truth
- Immature understanding to growth in wisdom
- An appetite for material possessions to a desire for spiritual depth
- Anxious thoughts to faith-filled affirmations from scripture
How do we begin to experience such restoration? It begins with time—time set aside most days to spend in the presence of our Restorer.
We can also learn to practice God’s presence all day long—with frequent whispered prayers, moments of praise, and words of gratitude.
Slowly but surely what lies beneath is exposed, because:
It is impossible to be in the presence of Jesus and not be changed.
–Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, 9.
* Romans 2:4; Isaiah 40:11; Psalm 103:8, 13, 14 HCSB.
Image credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.picryl.com (2); http://www.heartlight.org (2); http://www.commons.wikimedia.org.
Sources of information for The Night Watch restoration:
https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/whats-on/exhibitions/operation-night-watch
https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/stories/10-things/story/10-things-about-rembrandt-s-night-watch
https://www.france24.com/en/20181016-rembrandt-masterpiece-night-watch-be-restored-live
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