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Art conservation: Restoring masterpieces requires a league of its own

Creating art is one thing, but preserving it for future generations to enjoy is a whole other realm in itself.

Josa Lukman (The Jakarta Post)
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Jakarta
Thu, February 27, 2020

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Art conservation: Restoring masterpieces requires a league of its own Picture perfect: Visitors take pictures in front of the Mona Lisa after it was returned to its place at the Louvre Museum in Paris in October 2019 following a two-month renovation for the gallery housing the world's most famous painting. (AFP/Eric Feferberg)

M

any great artists, even though they left the mortal realm centuries ago, still enjoy a great deal of recognition for their legacies.

While it is true that exceptional materials can help create an artwork that can stand the test of time, many of the most famous pieces of art in museums and galleries around the world are still intact thanks to the work of art conservationists and restorers.

Even then, some works of art are still too valuable to even touch.

Speaking at a seminar dedicated to art conservation held by the Italian Cultural Institute in Jakarta, art historian Marco Riccòmini explained that Leonardo da Vinci's Giaconda (otherwise known as the Mona Lisa), arguably the most famous painting in the world, is so valuable that even art restorers are not allowed to touch it at the Louvre.

"By profession, like the restorers, I like to touch the paintings to hold them in my hands. With the Gioconda, it is not possible. I have visited hundreds of museums around the world - I've been in the vaults of the Louvre, but the [Giaconda] is untouchable; it is impossible to approach," he said.

Riccòmini even said the painting was so precious it was impossible to restore, as it was so fragile that no restorer wanted to take the risk and alter the image.

"Just think, in 1962 it was insured for US$100 million, the equivalent of $700 million these days. You don't want to be the restorer who damages the Gioconda."

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