Light Reflection Mystery at the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a photo taken at the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, showcasing a silver object reflecting different colors through glass panes. Participants speculate on the cause of the color variations, considering factors like light sources and the possibility of anti-reflective coatings on the glass. One theory suggests that selective reflections from thin layers could explain the phenomenon, with shorter wavelengths appearing blue and longer wavelengths appearing orange/red. There is also curiosity about how anti-reflective layers function and their role in creating such effects. The conversation highlights the interplay between light, materials, and perception in art displays.
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I took this photo in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. I hope it can be seen but the reflection of this silver thing is different colours in the different panes of glass. (Blue behind it, orange/red to the sides). What causes this effect? And why the particular colours?

http://a.imagehost.org/0777/light_effect.jpg
 
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is it a possibility that there's different colored light sources from each side? and the yellowish light on top of it which gives the object itself golden look?
dont laugh me out.
 
I'm fairly sure there aren't any different colour lights. As far as I can remember, there were white lights mounted on the ceiling.
 
Were the glass panes coated with anti-reflex layers?
It looks like selective reflections from thin layers. The normal reflection (front) selects shorter wavelength (blue) and the sides select longer wavelengths (at a larger angle).
 
I don't know. Seems likely if that anti-reflex stuff causes those kind of effects. Follow up question: Does anyone know how anti-reflex layers work?
 
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