Discover the results of the restoration of the Adam and Eve panel.
The painting of Adam and Eve is one of the few surviving works by the artist in his formative years, attesting to the talent of the early Rubens and his artistic quest. The panel recently underwent a careful restoration. Specialists of the KIK-IRPA used advanced conservation techniques to preserve the paint layer, colours, quality and integrity of this rare work of art. Read more about the main results here.
The paint layer was carefully cleaned to remove dirt and disturbing grime. This reveals the painting’s colours and details again.
A crack in the wooden panel, which also extended into the paint layer, was carefully glued, filled, and retouched, restoring both the panel’s stability and its visual appearance.
For better and safer presentation, the panel was newly framed within the existing frame. Carefully cut slats were inserted into the frame, following the curvature of the panel, providing optimal support.
The panel was also fixed in the frame with flexible springs. These accommodate the wood’s natural movement and absorb stresses and strains, avoiding new cracks in the panel.
Finally, missing parts and holes in the frame were touched up to restore it to its full potential.
After conservation, the work was transferred to Katoennatie’s depot, where it will be stored under optimal conditions during the restoration of the artist’s home.
The restoration of the panel of Adam and Eve was possible thanks to a grant from the Baillet Latour Fund.
