The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam published the most detailed photo of Rembrandt’s “Night Watch”, the most famous painting in the collection, on its website yesterday. The research team of the largest ongoing restoration project to date, “Operation Night Watch”, has succeeded in creating a total of 8439 individual photos of Rembrandt’s monumental canvas painting using specially developed technology and software. The 717-gigapixel image is now four times sharper than the previous photo, […]

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam published the most detailed photo of Rembrandt’s “Night Watch”, the most famous painting in the collection, on its website yesterday. The research team of the largest ongoing restoration project to date, “Operation Night Watch”, has succeeded in creating a total of 8439 individual photos of Rembrandt’s monumental canvas painting using specially developed technology and software. The 717-gigapixel image is now four times sharper than the previous photo, which the museum published around 18 months ago. This resolution makes it the largest digital image of a work of art to date

High tech in Amsterdam: scientists and art aficionados can now zoom in on Rembrandt’s “Night Watch”. Yesterday, the Rijksmuseum published the most detailed photo of the famous painting by the Dutch master painter to date on its website. The photo is part of the largest restoration project to date, “Operation Night Watch”. This largest and most comprehensive restoration of the Rembrandt work to date has been underway since July 2019.

It is the largest and most detailed photograph ever taken of a work of art,” the museum announced yesterday. Every millimeter of the painting was photographed. The image has a size of 717 gigapixels. Using specially developed technology and software, the research team at the Rijksmuseum took 8439 individual photos of the painting: each measuring 5.5 centimetres by 4.1 centimetres. “These were combined into one large image with the help of AI,” says the museum. “We can now see every pigment in all the little cracks,” explains Katrien Keune, scientific director of the Rijksmuseum. “It’s a very nice detailed snapshot that allows us to see how things change in the long term.” The 717-gigapixel image can be seen on the Rijksmuseum’s website and is four times sharper than the previous photo, which the museum published around 18 months ago. With this resolution, it is the largest digital image of a work of art to date. The team used a Hasselblad H6D 400 MS camera with 100 megapixels. With the help of AI, the photos were merged into one large image with a total file size of 5.6 terabytes. To ensure that each image was sharp, the surface of the painting first had to be scanned with lasers and the camera calibrated very precisely.

New insights into the history of the painting’s creation

Rembrandt completed the painting of the Amsterdam Citizens’ Watch in 1642. It is approximately 380 centimetres high and 453 centimetres wide. The Rijksmuseum has housed the work since 1808. Conservators and art experts are publicly examining “The Night Watch” for damage and are monitoring future ageing processes with the utmost precision. They also hope to gain new insights into the history of the painting’s creation. The repertoire of methods ranges from digital imaging techniques to scientific and material-related investigations and AI. An anti-reflective glass box was built around the painting for this special show restoration. The restoration is scheduled to begin on January 19, 2022. However, due to the current lockdown, the Rjiksmuseum is still closed until January 15.

At the beginning of December 2021, the team of restorers at the Rijksmuseum also made a sensational discovery. With the help of computer technology, a previously hidden sketch was found on the primed canvas of Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’: A sketch that provides a precise insight into the genesis of the work. Read more here.

More about “Operation Night Watch”

On July 8, 2019, the restorers at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam began researching and restoring Rembrandt’s “Night Watch”. The artwork is to be preserved for the future. Find out more here and in the following video:

Due to the cancellation of Stonetec in times of the Covid-19 pandemic, STEIN is nevertheless presenting an industry report in the 06/2020 print issue with many current product news from the areas of materials, construction chemicals, tools & more and art foundries. These are now also published as an online series, today the first part on “Tools & More”. CHAPS & MORE New knee pads for the already damaged […]

Due to the cancellation of Stonetec in times of the Covid-19 pandemic, STEIN is nevertheless presenting an industry report in the 06/2020 print issue with many current product news from the areas of materials, construction chemicals, tools & more and art foundries. These are now also published as an online series, today the first part on “Tools & More”.

New knee pads for the already damaged knee: Chaps & More, specialists in knee and wetness protection from Enger/East Westphalia, wanted to present the completely redesigned safety knee pad model 70.200 to trade visitors at this year’s Stonetec. The comfortable “gel safety knee pad”, which has been helping those workers with knee problems for some time, has now been given a modified, higher attachment so that the upper strap can no longer slip into the hollow of the knee. It is now larger, but is said to have a very practical fit, which, according to Chaps & More, is enormously supported by the patented anti-slip material that has been processed in the entire upper, inner area of the knee pad. This prevents the pads from slipping even when walking. Whether for tilers, natural stone layers, pavers or other construction professions: developed for all those who have to work a lot on their knees, the straight support is designed to give these joints a great deal of support and stability. For work on very sensitive floors, the cap can still be easily removed using the Velcro fasteners. Incidentally, in addition to knee protection, Chaps & More also produces aprons and arm protectors for stonemasons. www.chaps-and-more.de

PRODIM

There are three new software solutions here: Factory Draw is used for the further processing of Proliner measurements. The fast, easy-to-use CAD drawing program allows you to check, edit and export digital templates. Factory Draw Advanced is software that can do even more than Draw. You can design vertical projection surfaces in 2D/3D, create or simulate solid parts by adding material thickness, and check and resolve conflicts between solid parts, as the program automatically detects when joints or transitions do not fit. The complete Factory Fabricator software solution for Proliner measurements includes all the modules you need to edit and draw dimensions. In addition to the functions of Draw Advanced, you can digitize your plates, create your own plate inventory and match your production pieces with your own digitized plates. YouTube videos are available for all three products, just search for Prodim and the name of the software there or use this link to the Prodim page where they are embedded below: https://www.prodim-systems.de/produkte/prodim-factory-software-loesungen-fuer-die-steinindustrie/

The robust and maintenance-friendly screw compressors in the RS-PRO series in the power classes 30.0 kW to 55.0 kW with direct drive are now also available with an integrated frequency inverter. In addition, these units are now available with the new RENNERtronic Touch or RENNERtronic Plus Touch control units. In addition to belt-driven compressors in the power classes 30.0 kW to 55.0 kW, Renner now offers a direct drive as an alternative, which guarantees reliable and powerful operation of the compressor. Without V-belts, the power transmission of the direct-drive compressors is better than that of the belt-driven version. The RS-PRO series with direct drive now has a variant with an integrated frequency inverter. The RSFPRO D variant, now available with RENNERtronic Touch as standard or optionally with RENNERtronic Plus Touch control, offers intelligent frequency control, whereby the maximum possible delivery volume automatically adapts to the set pressure range. If the pressure drops due to an extraction peak, the REflex function releases the required reserves and ensures a constant working pressure. The REflex function can be set variably from 6 to 15 bar without making any changes. In addition, the integrated function offers the user security of supply combined with energy efficiency. In addition to an intuitive, smartphone-like 4.3″ or 7″ touchscreen, the new control units offer further advantages. For example, the RENNERtronic Plus Touch software is equipped with comprehensive base load change control. This allows up to eight additional compressors to be controlled. Renner compressors meet the requirements of the Industry 4.0 standard. Further advantages of the new series: integrated, highly efficient and speed-controlled radial fan, which has a high residual pressure and is low-noise. Thanks to the partial load operation of this fan, the RSFPRO series offers a high energy-saving potential. Compressors that can be driven under from three sides and a small footprint simplify installation and support flexible installation. Removable doors and struts provide excellent accessibility to the maintenance components. The optionally available magnetic, easily replaceable front filter grille offers protection against soiling. A heat exchanger system for service or heating water is available for heat recovery. The BAFA subsidizes the listed models with up to 40 percent.
www.renner-kompressoren.de

SEBALD

Sebald has improved the GTW 1800 wet grinder. In addition to new ball bearings (NTN deep groove ball bearings with non-contact sealing washers), there is also a new retaining plate for the water supply, which was previously made of plastic. The machine has been designed for professional use. It is characterized by its low weight and high pulling power. The soft-grip handle dampens vibrations and enables fatigue-free working. The bottom-mounted water supply is designed to allow excellent freedom of movement and contribute to particularly good handling. Technical data:
Power: 1800 W
Speed: 1800 rpm
Maximum tool diameter: 130 mm
Tool holder: M 14
Rated voltage: 230 V
The scope of delivery also includes a splash guard and a pair of spare carbons.
www.sebald-schleifscheiben.de