Michael Gallagher: "Conservation of Velázquez's Portrait of Philip IV"

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13 жыл бұрын

The "Portrait of Philip IV" by Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez (1599-1660) returned recently from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, having been cleaned for the first time in more than sixty years. The gleaming silver brocade covering the king's crimson coat is executed in an extraordinarily free and spontaneous manner, which is almost unparalleled in the painter's production and can now be better appreciated. The treatment by Michael Gallagher, Sherman Fairchild Conservator in Charge of Paintings Conservation, revealed the dazzling original surface that had been veiled by a yellowing varnish. Additionally, the first technical studies of the painting were undertaken, involving microscopy, X-radiography, and infrared reflectography.

Пікірлер: 40

@beverlyfletcher4458 3 жыл бұрын

How blessed we are not only to see this picture but to have people of the skill like Mr Gallagher, together with a great communicative ability. Thank you.

@RichMitch 5 жыл бұрын

Looking at art through conservators eyes gives a completely different perspective on it, in every way. Enjoyed it a lot

@portervillelouis 10 жыл бұрын

Dear Mr. Gallagher, Your narrative is the absolutely finest academic/ artistic explanation of the conservation of this majestic portrait. I followed every word, every comment, every emphasis and lesser ones too-----and I learned so very much from your presentation. I thank you, Louis R. Velasquez - creator of the Calcite Sun Oil / Emulsions method of oil painting, ...which is based on the science of Velazquez and REmbrandt.

@beverlyfletcher4458 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely.

@Isabella-nh5dm 5 жыл бұрын

Mr. Gallagher. Thank you so very much. I feel as though I have just had the opportunity to attend the 'best lecture' I have ever attended. Your breakdown on the conservation process undertaken on this work of art, it's history and Valzquez's works and techniques was so enlightening and interesting. It will cause me to view his works with a more enlightened eye. It has given me the opportunity to learn more about the considerations, ethical standards and the work of those that conserve and restore these wonderful pieces of art. Again, thankyou so very much.

@Kaytecando 6 жыл бұрын

As a student of Art History, I am thankful for your upload of this video and will share with my fellow classmates and professor. Ditto the remarks below! We are very fortunate to have scientific and technological advances in this century to conserve, protect and prolong the original beauty of artworks as the artists intended. Thank you!

@jenniferhumphries9298 5 жыл бұрын

Perfectly narrated, a fascinating look into Velazquez's techniques. One of the finest portraits ever painted. Also enjoyed the video on the restored MET Velazquez self-portrait which was a study for the Surrender of Breda. Can't wait to see them in person. Thank you for your brilliant commentary, I watched this ten times.

@reginaromsey 5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely Fascinating! The narrator is so crisp and clear in his words.

@newhorizon4066 4 жыл бұрын

What an elixir to my ears and soul after having to listen through an insufferable and interminable 8-min introduction by an ass-olute snob from UC Berkeley on another Velazquez subjected lecture. Thank you dear Mr. Gallagher, you've healed my tattered faith regarding art academies and artsy academicians in the US of A (even though you sounded a Brit - not your fault, just joking!) Cheers,

@ritabiro5105 3 жыл бұрын

Dear Mr.Galagon thanks to you giving the opportunity also me to admire this painting \ 10 yeas ago exchitbited/ .I think it is also a masterpiece from Velasques.I finde the colores especialy silver and the eyes impressive.The sword and the hand depicts a power and somesthing misterious.Mustage a little bit funy /not my taste\ but in that sicle could bee attractive for ladies.Altugether your recunstruction is excelent

@jmac5951 5 жыл бұрын

This was delightful, thank you. It almost made me think of Velazquez as an Impressionist, of sorts.

@fainatselnik267 3 жыл бұрын

Great conservation effort - presented beautifully with thoughtful insights

@markfisher5119 4 жыл бұрын

Recently I visited the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. It's a magnificent sight. While there, I saw a film about the extraordinary feats of engineering necessary to build it. That's what this is like: Instead of just admiring a painting in a gallery, you go figuratively back in time into the artist's studio and get to reconstruct the nuts-and-bolts process of creation, and then get to follow the work through time through the evidence right there on the canvas. In the words of Rod Stewart, every picture tells a story. But now it's plain that a great painting doesn't just TELL a story, it IS a story. This kind of information has the power to transform art education.

@miguelbecquer7389 5 жыл бұрын

Emocionado como artista de escucharle y sentir su exquisita sensibilidad y respeto por el Maestro. Muchas gracias. Un cordial saludo.

@giulianoapostata 11 ай бұрын

Brilliant, thank you very, very much !

@julittaissar7256 5 жыл бұрын

What a mastery of English language by the restorer. One can see what it is, that is lacking in USA - proper education for all.

@fredfine 5 жыл бұрын

What a delightful video! Thanks!

@kdiggs5487 3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful video. Thank you for uploading quality content.

@ev7233 5 жыл бұрын

Fantastic.

@michaeljohnangel6359 11 ай бұрын

An interesting lecture-thanks! It's too bad that the photos are so washed-out, though.

@chefmichaelgriffin4005 4 жыл бұрын

In the X-ray view it seems their is a figure of man (bust) facing to the left. Is that my imagination or was it something one the canvass under the painting we see?

@DANBOLLENBACHER 5 жыл бұрын

Very interesting, but am I the only one who sees a face in the x-ray image of the hat at 8:45?

@personalsigh 3 жыл бұрын

This is all well and good but how many European Cups have City won?

@mariapilarme 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to learn to said Velazquez name right. I am an artist, Velazquez did not prepare a drawing . He directly used the brush and oil to do the portrait directly into the canvas”a la prima”. That’s why you don’t see his drawing on the canvas. I don’t think he used white lead to do the under painting, they used guesso, that is calcium carbonate, following the Italian way. On the Vasari on technique book explains how the canvas is painted with guesso, and he goes to give you the ingredients. He may done the King’s head and used another person to hold the pose with the King clothes. Velazquez used a vine barrel to paint a horse. El Conde Duque de Olivares.

@lizweiss4599 4 жыл бұрын

What do you mean “ I don’t think he used white lead” the conservator told you they saw it in the x ray!

@maximhollandnederlandthene7640 Жыл бұрын

Habsburg chin 🤔😅

@bigbearfuzzums7027 5 жыл бұрын

Seems Phillip avoided much of the physical disfigurement of inbreeding than the other hapsburgs..

@Ursaminor31 5 жыл бұрын

Just barely....

@woodsplitter3274 5 жыл бұрын

Other than the moustache. ;)

@paulwhite760 5 жыл бұрын

or...perhaps the big V just didnt include it !

@chrisrobinson34 5 жыл бұрын

Sorry the sound is badly done.

@duncescotus2342 5 жыл бұрын

Maybe it's just me, but it was better before. This Velazquez had benefited from some patina. It added subtlety to the modeling of the face and some unity to the gray passages of the fabric. As far the lightening of some of the blacks, that's also a good thing. We're used to overly contrasty images due to photography. Now it looks brash and maybe a bit del Mazo. The zeal with which collectors snatched up the "old masters" was at least partly due to fact that they looked old.

@doc2kiwidig663 3 жыл бұрын

Marvellous! But please say picture not pitcher.

@schiatzeschiatze5002 3 жыл бұрын

There is nothing wrong with it, he is British and that’s OP.

@ross6753 2 жыл бұрын

Every time I see this portrait , or the others that "sir" Diego painted of king Philip, I can't but wonder how a greait painter can take the ugliest guy that ever lived and turn his portrait into the most gorgous painting in the world 😆

@NGS712 Ай бұрын

To be fair, I think Philip's son might've been a greater challenge... 😵