Other processes undertaken included analysis of the wooden panel where the wood was identified as being from the poplar/willow (Salicaceae) family, which Rembrandt sometimes used rather than his preferred substrate of oak or canvas.
A portable XRF (x ray fluorescence) instrument was used for non-invasive analysis across the surface of the painting together with cross section and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) analysis. This confirmed that the pigments were consistent with those typically used by Rembrandt and his studio assistants. These included the use of azurite (a blue mineral pigment) in the background and smalte (a blue cobalt containing glass pigment) in the costume as well as the consistent use of bone black.
David Taylor, Paintings and Sculptor Curator at the National Trust said: 'The debate over whether this is or isn't a Rembrandt has been on-going for decades.
'The key element for me has been the cleaning. The varnish was so yellow that it was difficult to see how beautifully the portrait had been painted. Now you can really see all the flesh tones and other colours, as well as the way in which the paint has been handled — it's now much easier to appreciate it as a Rembrandt.
"With the technical analysis backing up Ernst's claims, we are obviously very excited. Caring for the work of one of the great Dutch masters although in itself quite daunting, will also give us a great story to tell as we bring the mystery of its authorship to life for our visitors to enjoy."
Ernst van de Wetering visited the painting at the HKI just before it returned to Buckland Abbey. He said: "Although I was pretty certain the painting was a Rembrandt when I saw it in 2013, I wanted to further examine it after cleaning and see the results from the technical analysis as this had never been done before. With all this additional scientific evidence, I am satisfied it is by Rembrandt."
The money for the cleaning and investigative work into the painting was raised by Players of People's Postcode Lottery.
Kate Pearson Deputy Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery said: "It is fantastic that this mystery is now solved; and that so many people will now be able to enjoy this newly confirmed Rembrandt. Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised an amazing £41.5 million for charities and good causes since the lottery’s launch in 2008 and we are delighted that the National Trust is one of the charities receiving support."
Given to the conservation charity in 2010 the painting has now returned home to Buckland. Post analysis, the painting has an estimated nominal value of £30 million, though as the National Trust cares for items for public benefit for ever, it could never be sold.
Jez McDermott, Property Manager at Buckland Abbey said: "This has been a fascinating journey for all of us involved, made possible with the help of so many experts and the support from the PPL. We are very much looking forward to welcoming many visitors to share the story with them at our Rembrandt Revealed Exhibition."
Rembrandt Revealed opens at Buckland Abbey on Friday 13 June.
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