The expressive paintings of the isenheim altarpiece are among the most important works of European art. Long ago, the images have lost their luster. But that should change now.
The famous isenheim altarpiece in Colmar, Alsace, gets a Facelift. The masterpiece by Matthias grünewald (1480-1528) is restored from mid-September to three to four years to comprehensive. The Plan for the 1.2 million Euro project for the Unterlinden Museum, the responsible restorers and experts presented on Tuesday (04.09.2018) in Colmar.
The image panels of the convertible altar were yellowed, said Blandine Chavanne, Head of the managing authority for the French museums. The radiance of the colours to restore and will be removed from the protective coating on the paintings. The wooden sculptures should be dusted, the painting, which dissolves in some cases, fixed. The Work will mainly take place in the Museum, under the eyes of the visitors. The restorers carry out only one of the three issued States; the other two remain fully visible.
Extensive preliminary investigations and monitoring
The delicate work on the masterpiece was preceded by extensive studies, The images were x-rayed and 3D-microscopes examined pigment samples were taken. The last restoration was canceled in 2011, after the press had denounced a quick procedure. An expert Committee should accompany every step, in order to prevent the Original paint layer.
A special treasure of the art of painting
Hell beings push your bad game
The paintings of the isenheim altarpiece by Matthias Grunewald. He created them according to the latest research in 1512 to 1516. In the detailed representation of the suffering Christ on the cross, the redemptive resurrection scene, or of hell beings populated the visitation of the Anthony naturalistic representation and mystical view of the world come together masterfully.
The large-format Isenheimer Altar stood originally in the monastery Church of St. Anthony community order in Isenheim near Colmar. Here was in the 16th century. Century, a memorial for Saint Anthony. The sick prayed for the healing of the plague and the Grassi Anthony’s fire”, due to contaminated grain-induced intoxication”.
Since the 18th century. Century, the Altar was restored again and again with numerous layers of paint. The goal of the beginning of restoration is to return as close as possible to the original condition.
kk/ld (DPA, KNA)