Since 2012, when TEFAF celebrated its 25th anniversary, the Maastricht art fair has been awarding grants toward the conservation of objects held by museums that have attended the fair in that year. The other day, TEFAF announced the 2104 grants: the €50,000 annual amount from the TEFAF Museum Restoration Fund will be split between two early paintings by Francisco de Zurbaran.
One, St. Serapion (1628) [at right], is owned by the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Ct.; the other, Saint Francis of Assisi in Meditation (c. 1630-1635) [below], is in the collection of the Museum Kunstpalast, in Düsseldorf. According to the statement from the Fund,
The current condition of both paintings is severely compromised, both structurally and aesthetically. Although the paintings need specific individual treatment, both require extensive conservation and restoration; this includes the removal of previous poor restoration, old varnish and flaking areas as well as infilling paint losses and old abrasions to restore their former glory.
The Atheneum plans to make St. Serapion, which it acquired in 1951, a centerpiece picture of its new European paintings galleries; they are being reinstalled and are set to open in September, 2015. The Museum Kunstpalast, meanwhile, is organizing a comprehensive exhibition of Zurbaran’s work in fall, 2015.
Announcing the grant, the Atheneum said:
Ulrich Birkmaier, Chief Conservator, will be performing conservation treatment on the painting, including the removal of previous restorations and old varnish, to restore the work’s former integrity. The restoration of St. Serapion will be a crucial stabilization, placing the work in a new light by allowing the viewer to fully appreciate the artist’s original intent.
In keeping with the trend to share conservation projects with the public, both museums are making videos of the process; they’ll be on view at Maastricht as well as on the web.
I’ve nothing but good to say about this TEFAF program and these two awards, which look very worthy.
Photo Credits: Courtesy of TEFAF