Introduction
At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, curators of drawings and prints have carefully selected pieces for a special exhibition featuring works acquired during the tenure of Philippe de Montebello, the director of the Met for 31 years. As Mr. de Montebello departs to teach, write, and broadcast about the arts, the journey from acquisition to exhibition is not always straightforward. The balance between the importance and beauty of a drawing and the questions of its condition is a critical aspect of showcasing these artworks.
Importance and Condition of Drawings
One of the highlighted pieces in the exhibition is a double-sided drawing by Francesco Salviati, known as a “cartoon.” This working drawing, the same size as the resulting fresco it inspired, faced significant challenges in terms of its condition. The drawing had experienced creasing, tearing, and staining due to the artist’s technique and subsequent attempts at preservation. Despite its imperfect state, the drawing’s historical and artistic significance made it a valuable addition to the collection.
Conservation Approach
The process of deciding on the level of conservation for a work of art involves a delicate balance between preserving its authenticity and addressing its visible imperfections. Curators like George prioritize maintaining the age and character of the artwork, avoiding making it look entirely new. The goal is to remove only elements that detract from the artist’s original intent, allowing the signs of age to remain visible.
Imperfections and Significance
Another notable drawing in the exhibition is a 16th-century study by Bernard Van Orly for a tapestry series that was lost in a fire. Despite its imperfections, such as ink stains and foxing caused by mold, the drawing offers a unique insight into the artist’s creative process. The restoration of such pieces requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the materials involved.
Preservation Challenges
The Sherman Fairchild Centre for paper conservation at the Met plays a crucial role in preserving and restoring precious works on paper. The director’s commitment to making the museum’s paper conservation lab one of the best and largest in the world underscores the importance of this work. However, even with top-notch facilities, there are no shortcuts in the conservation process. Preserving works on paper is a slow and meticulous task that demands precision and expertise.
Related Questions
1. How do curators at the Metropolitan Museum of Art select pieces for special exhibitions?
– Curators carefully choose artworks acquired during specific tenures or with significant historical importance for exhibition.
2. What factors influence the decision-making process when balancing the importance and condition of a drawing?
– The historical significance, artistic value, and level of imperfections in a drawing play a crucial role in determining its exhibition worthiness.
3. How do curators approach the conservation of artworks to maintain their authenticity?
– Curators aim to preserve the age and character of artworks by only removing elements that detract from the artist’s original intent, avoiding making the piece look completely new.
4. What challenges do imperfections like ink stains and foxing pose in the restoration of drawings?
– Imperfections such as ink stains and foxing require meticulous restoration processes to ensure the clarity and visibility of the artwork while preserving its historical context.
5. Why is the preservation of works on paper a slow and meticulous process, even in top-notch facilities?
– Preserving works on paper demands precision and expertise, with little margin for error, as any conservation efforts must be done correctly from the outset to maintain the integrity of the artwork.
