Art Conservation and Restoration

1192 Words3 Pages

The subject of art conservation and restoration has long been debated in the art world. Experts and historians have never agreed that all art must be salvaged at any cost. This paper will examine what art conservation and restoration is, what is involved in these endeavors, and what has been done over the centuries to many of history’s cherished art pieces. To begin this discussion, it is crucial to understand what exactly art conservation and restoration is and what it entails. Art Conservation/Restoration can be defined as an array of professions dedicated to “approaching every painting (or artwork) conservatively in that only what needs attention is addressed and nothing excessive is ever performed, all of the materials used are modern…” . This is the process of careful examination, documentation, and attention and treatment of a weakening art object due to age, neglect, and utilization. These objects can range from paintings to architecture to any number of things. Typically, conservation involves the maintenance and care of an object to prevent future damage, while restoration on the other hand normally involves repair of damaged and/or decayed pieces of art and an effort to restore each piece to its original form and condition. In actuality, conservation and restoration go hand in hand by way of preservation, and are both critical in the study and appreciation of art for future generations, in spite of all the problems and criticism. Considering these ideas, it is a conservator’s responsibility to consider “ethical stewardship” regarding each piece. In other words, minimal intervention should be used with appropriate materials and methods to maintain as much originality as possible. Actually, specific standard... ... middle of paper ... ...ons caused further damage. By the late 1970’s, the painting was in poor condition, having suffered repeated damage and numerous repairs. From 1978 to 1999, a major restoration project was done, and the painting was eventually, after twenty-one years, returned to display. However, major changes in “colors, tones, and some facial shapes” were noted by the critics. Dr. James Beck, an art history professor at Columbia University and founder of Art Watch, claimed that only “18-20% of the painting was actually done by Leonardo’s hand. The rest is the product of the restorers”. Clearly, the piece is not in its original form, nor was it even twenty years after completion. However, due to the concern, care, diligence, and expertise of many art lovers, there remains at least a remnant of da Vinci’s masterpiece to be studied and enjoyed by future scholars and visitor.

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