The Watermark Imaging System (WImSy)
Rob Fucci and Rick Johnson at work with the WImSy
Project
Innovative research into watermarks in Dutch drawings (I-WaNT)
RKD – Netherlands Institute for Art History & Various Partners
Watermarks provide important information about the dating, origin, and production of paper. The RKD – Netherlands Institute for Art History is leading innovative research into watermarks in 17th-century drawings from the Northern Netherlands, with a focus on drawings by Rembrandt and artists from his immediate circle. This project applies digital analysis techniques to better identify and compare watermarks.
The project utilises the Watermark Imaging System (WImSy), developed at Yale University, and the pattern recognition software of Prof. Rick Johnson from Cornell University. WImSy is a unique prototype, extensively tested in major American museums, and now available in the Netherlands for a year. Drawing specialist Dr. Robert L. Fucci of the University of Amsterdam is conducting the research in the collections of Teylers Museum, Amsterdam Museum, Fondation Custodia, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Museum Het Rembrandthuis and Leiden University Libraries.
Knowledge transfer
During the project, the RKD will host four interns, who will contribute to the research and assist with the unlocking of data in the RKD databases. The project team will share the research results and project outcomes via various national and international channels. The results and the software will be freely accessible via RKD Research in the RKDimages and Marks on Art databases.
The RKD is organising a short course on watermark research twice in May 2025, led by Prof. Rick Johnson. He will train students and young professionals in watermark research and the use of the software. A public lecture on watermark research will conclude these training sessions.