Last updated October 28, 2024
The history of art restoration is one that spans centuries, driven by the mission to ensure famous works of art remain accessible. Michelangelo’s iconic Sistine Chapel frescoes were first restored as early as the 16th century due to water damage, and since, advances in technology… pic.twitter.com/0TErDcAMOf
— Archaeo - Histories (@archeohistories) October 27, 2024
Claude Monet in London – UK The Times - Review of the exhibit.
"...views of the Thames painted by the impressionist Claude Monet during three long trips to London, in 1899, 1900 and 1901, many, but not all, from the Savoy hotel, a stone’s throw along the river from the Courtauld. It’s the exhibition Monet had hoped to stage during his lifetime. It may have taken 120 years, but it is more than worth the wait."
Official web site for the exhibition Courtauld Gallery – The Courtauld Gallery will be open until 9pm on the following dates: 25 October; 22 November; 13 December; 10 January 2025.
King Charles new portrait is attacked by animal rights group – KSDK
The score on the Parthenon marbles? 17-0 in favor of Greece
A UNESCO vote on the ownership of the "Parthenon Marbles" (aka "Elgin Marbles") shows that support for the British Museum's position of legal authority over the Acropolis statuary and metopes has been steadily crumbling for some time, and might be headed for a climax of sorts. If the British claims are finally ditched and the marbles begin a return to Greece, this could open the door for a massive change in relationships of museums with tenuous holds on dubiously acquired objects in their collections with the various countries where the objects originally came from (Egypt, Greece and Turkey, for example, though the list of countries with art objects removed from them is a very long list indeed.)
Story at Kathimerini [in Greek]
I recovered the 6 paintings that were stolen last month from the town hall of Medemblik, the Netherlands, Historically very important paintings. Especially the one showing King Radbod, the last ruler of Frisia. The oldest portrait known of him. And one of 'William of Orange.' pic.twitter.com/jNbXTSXIRA
— Arthur Brand (art detective) (@brand_arthur) October 17, 2023
"15 Must-See Shows This Fall in Europe" – Artnet.com
Detail of Edward Hopper Self Portrait 1903-1906
Coming exhibit:
The Lost Mirror. Jews and Conversos in Medieval Spain
October 10, 2023 – January 14, 2024
"Using a broad selection of works, this exhibition recreates a medieval mirror that shows how Jews and conversos (converts to Christianity) were portrayed by Christians in Spain from 1285 to 1492. Images played a key role in the complex relationship between all three groups during this period. On the one hand, they were an important vehicle for the transmission of rites and artistic models between Christians and Jews and provided a space for collaboration between artists from both communities. On the other – the grim flipside – they helped spread the growing anti-Judaism embedded in Christian society. In this respect, the visual stigmatisation of the Jews was a faithful reflection of the Christians’ mirror, of their beliefs and anxieties, and accordingly a powerful means of asserting their identity."
Detail image "In the Laundry" by Robert Frederick Blum, 1884
Goya and his painting The Last Communion of St Joseph Calasanz "Sacred Mysteries, Saintly Failures" – MSN UK Telegraph
The article discusses how Goya sent back 3/4ths of his painting fee for doing two paintings, one being The Last Communion of St Joseph Calasanz, Goya saying it was a gift for his “countryman”. The article goes into more depth about Joseph Calasanz himself.
Harvard's Forbes Pigment Collection
Story at Protothema
These pigments aren’t just about aesthetics; they hold secrets that unravel the authenticity of artworks, guiding experts in distinguishing originality from restoration. However, these pigments aren’t without hazards; some are toxic, like arsenic-laden emerald green. Thus, this color repository serves as a silent witness to the passage of time, helping unveil the truth hidden within the strokes of artistry."
Inside the "Nashville Parthenon" in Tennessee - Golden idol
More art pages in the Archives