The newly released high-resolution image of The Night Watch sets a new standard in painting imaging, with a record-breaking resolution and size. At 717 gigapixels and a massive 5.6 TB file size, each pixel covers an area smaller than a human red blood cell. The process involved taking 8,439 separate photos using advanced technology to ensure precision. The image allows for a detailed analysis of the painting’s physical state, revealing lead soap protrusions, tiny cracks, paint pigment particles, and Rembrandt’s painting technique. This snapshot of The Night Watch aids in conservation planning and provides insights into Rembrandt’s artistic process.
https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/stories/operation-night-watch/story/ultra-high-resolution-image-of-the-night-watch