How Rembrandt's Masterpiece Survived a Knife Attack

Rembrandt’s Night Watch has stood the test of time for nearly 400 years, but its journey hasn’t been without drama. This iconic painting has survived knife attacks, acid damage, and even being physically cut to fit a new location. In this video, we dive into the turbulent history of The Night Watch and reveal how expert conservators at the Rijksmuseum have worked tirelessly to preserve it. We will tell you all about the shocking knife attack in 1975 that left deep gashes in the painting. This incident tells a story of resilience and restoration. You’ll hear from Rijksmuseum experts Esther van Duijn, Annelies van Loon and Pieter Roelofs as they share insights into the painting’s past and the groundbreaking techniques used to heal its wounds. Discover how restorers stitched the canvas like surgeons, applied new linen backing, and carefully retouched damaged areas, all while documenting every step in a detailed conservation dossier. Learn how scientific research helps uncover hidden scars and why some of them reappear during restoration, a natural part of the process that ensures the painting’s long-term health. 🔔 Subscribe and click the bell icon to get more Rijksmuseum content every two weeks: @rijksmuseumamsterdam ℹ️ Learn more about Operation Night Watch: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/stories/operation-night-watch 💌 Subscribe to the Rijksmuseum newsletter to receive art and inspiration straight to your inbox: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/interests/subscribe-to-the-rijksmuseum-newsletter #rembrandt #nightwatch #rijksmuseum #amsterdam 00:00 Intro 00:25 Esther on the Knife Attack 01:19 The Previous Restoration by Kuiper 02:25 Today’s Treatment by the Operation Night Watch Team 03:01 Research on the Painting 03:42 Outro