Scientists discover new bacteria on Rembrandt's night watch painting

Scientists discovered unexpected microorganisms on Rembrandt's Night Watch painting in the Netherlands.

Researchers from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Artis-Micropia museum of microorganisms conducted the study to understand the biological life on the surface of the famous Dutch masterpiece. They identified several types of bacteria, including a specific strain first described in Japan from a sugar refinery sample. The team found these organisms in a location where they did not expect to find them.

The study aims to provide a better understanding of how biological life interacts with the surface of one of the most important works of Dutch painting.