Why create such an incredibly huge image? With this resolution, we can very clearly see the precise physical state of the painting. Lead soap protrusions, tiny cracks, the shapes of individual paint pigment particles, past retouches, and the beautiful details of Rembrandt’s painting technique are all extraordinarily clear. This enables researchers to understand the painting’s condition in order to make the best plan for future conservation treatments. It helps us to better understand how Rembrandt painted, and it creates an exquisite 'snapshot’ of The Night Watch at this moment in its history.