The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has begun the second phase of the restoration of Rembrandt’s iconic painting, The Night Watch. After five years of research, conservators are removing the old varnish applied during a 1975 restoration to ensure the artwork’s longevity. Utilizing specialized absorbent cloths and microscopic techniques, the team aims to carefully restore the masterpiece while allowing visitors to observe the process behind a glass wall. The restoration project, titled ‘Operation Night Watch,’ experienced delays due to the pandemic and uncovered a unique protective technique used by Rembrandt himself.