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THE NETHERLANDS / BELGIUM - APRIL 4, 2025: As the massive works of Peter Paul Rubens and Rembrandt are restored before the eyes of visitors, the experts involved describe the unique experience as both "inspiring and stressful." Rembrandt's The Night Watch and Peter Paul Rubens' Enthroned Madonna Adored by Saints stand out as two monumental works in art history. Rubens' painting, displayed at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp in Belgium, measures 6 by 4 meters (20 ft x 13 ft), while Rembrandt's masterpiece, located in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, measures 3.63 by 4.37 meters (12 ft x 14.3 ft). These colossal works, with their rich details, dramatic light-and-shadow plays, and dynamic compositions that draw viewers in, offer spectators a close look at the art preservation process. In the first step of restoration, art historians research the painting's history, techniques, and materials used by the artist, while scientists perform various analyses to determine the artwork’s current condition. Through X-ray and ultraviolet scans, the lower layers of the painting and any previous interventions are examined in detail. Chemical analyses help determine the composition of the paints, varnishes, and priming materials. After the tests are conducted, the appropriate methods for the process are determined and a restoration plan is established. Dirt and old varnish accumulated over time are cleaned under a microscope, and cracks and missing sections are filled in a way that aligns with the artist’s style. Finally, the work is coated with a protective layer of varnish, ensuring visual unity and safeguarding against potential future damage. Nienke Woltman, an art conservation specialist on The Night Watch restoration team, curator Koen Bulckens and restorer Ellen Keppens, a member of the team responsible for restoring Enthroned Madonna Adored by Saints, spoke to Anadolu. (Footage by Dilara Karatas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)