Mar 23, 2016

Van Gogh’s „Sunflowers” at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam may be restored?, by Vivien Xenia Tinca

   Lately, it was said that it is possible a restoration of Van Gogh’s Amsterdam „Sunflowers”, to  ensure that this important work will be available for future generations. Conservators are tasked with figuring out how to turn back the clock to extend the life of the sunflowers.




The Art Newspaper says that Vincent Van Gogh’s painting has been taken off display at to be conserved and even restored, to bring its colours closer to their original, more vibrant ones.

Inspected now in the conservation studio, professionals are taking into consideration the removal of the old varnish, to see Van Gogh’s original colours, to make the sunflowers more vibrant than they are now.

A question that the conservators ask themselves is whether the varnish of the Amsterdam „Sunflowers” painting could safely be removed.

Vincent Van Gogh didn’t varnish his pictures. He preferred a matt finish so the coating was added long after his death  to help protect the surface. The varnish has aged in time leaving a brownish effect on the painting’s colours. Another problem may be the deterioration of Van Gogh’s chrome yellow pigments. These have darkened and become greenish-brown now .

The museum is hoping to remove the discoloring coat of varnish and several retouched areas,which give the canvas a different tone than what it originally had. Any risks of intervention will be very carefully evaluated.

Because of the importance of this signed copy, that was made approximately six months after the original one, it is now very rarely lent. Most recently, it was loaned to the National Gallery, two years ago, to be shown beside the London version.

According to The Art Newspaper, ”Sunflowers” will go back on display on March 24, after which it will be decided if the restoration will move forward or not.

Sources:

No comments:

Post a Comment

We value your thoughts!