Ghent Altarpiece

What is the main purpose of "Technical Documentation" in art restoration?

To document the restoration process and provide detailed analysis of the painting's condition and previous treatments.

What methods were used in the technical documentation of the Ghent Altarpiece?

High-resolution macrophotography (visible and infrared), infrared reflectography, X-radiography, dendrochronology, multispectral near-infrared scanning, non-invasive XRF, and XRD.

Why was high-resolution macrophotography important in the restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece?

It allowed for detailed documentation of the condition and technique, showing cleaning windows, degraded varnish, and reflections, and enabled analysis of surface condition.

What does infrared reflectography (IRR) reveal in art restoration?

It reveals details in the underdrawing, such as curls in figures, and can show previous layers of paint and changes made during the painting process.

What was revealed by X-radiography of the Ghent Altarpiece?

It documented structural details and previous restorations, helping to detect any cracks or changes in the composition, with no major differences observed between 1986 and 2010.

What is dendrochronology, and how was it used in the restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece?

Dendrochronology is the study of tree rings. It was used to date the wood panels of the altarpiece, helping to establish when the wood was harvested for use.

What was the purpose of multispectral near-infrared scanning in the restoration?

To study hidden details under the paint layers, including the fountain's treatment, which was painted over dark green, showing how different areas were treated in comparison.

What significant findings were made regarding overpainting during the restoration process?

Over 60% of the painting's surface had been overpainted, much of it from earlier restorations. The overpainting made it difficult to understand the original artist’s intent.

How did infrared reflectography (IRR) help identify overpainting?

IRR revealed textures and areas of damage not visible to the naked eye, showing the presence of overpainting and allowing restorers to distinguish between original work and later additions.

What is the first step in the restoration process of the Ghent Altarpiece's varnish?

Thinning and removing degraded varnish, which often involved multiple layers added over the centuries.

Why did restorers use "test windows" in the Ghent Altarpiece restoration?

To carefully remove overpaint and evaluate the underlying original paint layer, revealing areas where past restorations had altered the artwork.

What discovery was made about the paint layers during varnish removal?

The restoration uncovered areas where the original paint layer was missing, often due to earlier restoration efforts, which had introduced layers of overpaint.

What does the term "gain of depth" refer to in restoration?

It refers to the improved clarity and spatial organization of the artwork after cleaning and varnish removal, which restored the original depth that had been obscured by degraded varnish.

How did the restoration of the lower register of the Ghent Altarpiece reveal the difference between original and later additions?

The "Just Judges" panel, which was copied after a varnished layer, appeared more yellow and clearly different from the rest of the panels, highlighting later restoration work.

How did the restoration of the lamb on the altar impact the iconography of the Ghent Altarpiece?

By removing overpainting, the lamb’s face became more confrontational and fitting with the symbolism of Christ, enhancing the emotional intensity of the artwork.

What was revealed about the palm leaves in the Ghent Altarpiece during restoration?

Extra overpaint was removed, revealing more depth in the folds of the garments and more clarity in the depiction of the holy virgins with palm leaves.

How did the landscape in the Ghent Altarpiece change during restoration?

Restoration uncovered a more accurate landscape with snowy mountains and cityscapes that were previously obscured by 16th-century overpaint.

What iconographic change was made during the restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece?

The restoration of the central panel revealed more of the original composition, confirming the decision to remove overpaint was correct for preserving the artwork’s original context.

What is the "true face of Christ" in the Ghent Altarpiece, and how did the restoration affect it?

The true face of Christ, revealed after overpainting was removed, became more confronting, aligning with the iconography of the lamb and enhancing the piece’s emotional impact.

How did restorers approach the retouching of the Ghent Altarpiece?

They worked from larger losses of paint to smaller details, ensuring that the original artwork was preserved while correcting areas of overpainting.

What is the goal of conservation?

The goal of conservation is to keep an object in its current condition without altering it, often focusing on preserving its historical integrity.

How does restoration differ from conservation?

Restoration aims to return an artwork to its original state, often trying to restore the artist’s intent, though this can be challenging when that intent is unclear.

What are the key principles in conservation/restoration?

Key principles include reversibility of interventions, respect for the artist’s intent, and maintaining the historical integrity of the object.

What challenges arise when considering "restoring the artist’s intent" versus "preserving the artwork's history"?

Sometimes earlier treatments or historical damage are integral to the artwork's story, and removing these may erase important cultural or historical layers.

Why is reversibility of treatments important in conservation?

Reversibility ensures that interventions can be undone if needed, maintaining the possibility of future conservation practices without permanent alteration.

What complications can arise from multiple layers of restoration and damage over time?

These layers can distort the original work, and identifying which parts of the artwork are original versus restored can be difficult without extensive research and documentation.

What is the structure and iconography of the Ghent Altarpiece?

The altarpiece is tall, with multiple panels and figures, including biblical scenes (e.g., Adam and Eve, the Annunciation, and the Passion of Christ) and patrons, with complex iconography such as the Lamb of God symbolizing Christ.

What is the significance of the "Mystical Lamb" in the Ghent Altarpiece?

The Lamb of God is a central symbol of Christ’s sacrifice and the Passion, surrounded by angels and instruments of the Passion, reinforcing the theme of salvation and the Holy Trinity.

How was the original placement of the Ghent Altarpiece different from how it is displayed today?

Originally, the altarpiece would have been displayed in a tabernacle in the church, with the panels visible during holidays and hidden during weekdays.

What does dendrochronology reveal about the Ghent Altarpiece’s construction?

Dendrochronology established that some of the panels from both the upper and lower registers came from the same tree, indicating they were likely created around the same time.

What is the importance of the quatrain found on the Ghent Altarpiece's frame?

The quatrain gives key information about the painters (Hubert and Jan van Eyck), the patron (Joos Vijd), and the installation date (1432), but does not clarify the overall iconography or how the work was conceived.

What is the debate regarding the authenticity of the quatrain on the Ghent Altarpiece?

Some scholars, like Emile Renders, argue the quatrain is a later fabrication, while others believe it was derived from an original text in the chapel.

How has the church's role and location influenced the conservation of the Ghent Altarpiece?

The Ghent Altarpiece has been moved several times for conservation and safety reasons, from its original location in St. John's parish church to various locations for preservation, including a temporary move to a more secure location in 1986.

What are the key challenges in conserving the Ghent Altarpiece?

Challenges include the removal of multiple layers of overpainting and varnish, securing unstable paint areas, and ensuring the artwork's long-term stability, all while preserving its historical and artistic value.

What major damage did the Ghent Altarpiece sustain over time?

The altarpiece suffered from overpainting, alterations to the wood structure (including sawing the wings lengthwise), and the loss of original frames, which made conservation more complex.

What was found in the 2009 check-up of the Ghent Altarpiece?

It was discovered that the paint on the "Just Judges" panel was lifting and tenting. This led to further intervention to stabilize the paint before transport to the restoration lab.

What was the 2010 conservation intervention of the Ghent Altarpiece titled?

The 2010 intervention was called "Lasting Support: Assessing the Structural Condition of the Ghent Altarpiece."

What problems were discovered during the 2010 restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece?

The restoration team discovered that the painting had numerous cracks and "tenting," caused by an unstable paint surface. A significant issue was the yellowed varnish that had aged and become brittle, distorting the depth and clarity of the image.

How did the yellow varnish affect the appearance of the Ghent Altarpiece?

The yellow varnish made the painting appear foggy and opaque, obscuring details and reducing its depth. Removing the varnish revealed a more vivid and clearer image.

What is significant about the "cleaning windows" in the restoration process?

"Cleaning windows" are small areas of the artwork where the varnish is carefully removed to study the effects and the difference it makes in restoring the original appearance of the artwork.

What did the restoration team learn about the varnish used on the Ghent Altarpiece?

The varnish used was a ketone varnish, which had not been removed in previous restorations, contributing to the degradation of the paint over time. The team worked to carefully remove this varnish without damaging the original paint layers.

What is the significance of Pettenkofer regeneration in the context of the Ghent Altarpiece restoration?

Pettenkofer regeneration involves using a varnish or resin that reacts with the paint, which can make varnish removal difficult. However, testing revealed that no Pettenkofer regeneration had been used, meaning varnish removal could proceed without concerns about damaging the original paint.