How the Virgin Mary was made an unsuccessful plastic in an old painting: Epic vandalism
How the Virgin Mary was made an unsuccessful plastic in an old painting: Epic vandalism

Video: How the Virgin Mary was made an unsuccessful plastic in an old painting: Epic vandalism

Video: How the Virgin Mary was made an unsuccessful plastic in an old painting: Epic vandalism
Video: Nastya, Maggie and Naomi - DIY for kids - YouTube 2024, November
Anonim
Image
Image

The Valencian collector decided to restore an excellent copy of the classic Baroque painting by the Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, The Immaculate Conception of Los Venerals. Spared no expense for this, having paid 1200 euros. Everything would be fine, but the "restorer" was a person who had nothing to do with art. As a result of the "restoration", the Virgin Mary received a rather unexpected make-up and began to look as if she had undergone unsuccessful plastic surgery.

Initially, Murillo worked on his masterpiece in order to hang it in the monastery. The priceless painting was completed by the artist between 1660-1665. The canvas depicts the Mother of God, dressed in blue and white clothes, with her arms crossed on her chest and looking up to heaven.

The original of the Immaculate Conception of Los Venerals by Spanish artist Bartolome Murillo at the Prado Museum, June 4, 2020, in Madrid
The original of the Immaculate Conception of Los Venerals by Spanish artist Bartolome Murillo at the Prado Museum, June 4, 2020, in Madrid

If they look down from heaven, then what happened to the copy of this picture, they should be shocked. The restorer, who received an order to restore the painting, instead of painstaking work, painted over the face of the Virgin Mary something for which it is difficult to find a name. This is not surprising, since the "restorer" specializes not in art objects, but in … furniture!

The restorer's first failure
The restorer's first failure

The customer was not only disappointed with the result, he was horrified by what he saw! Despite this, the restorer got a second chance. Only now the priceless canvas began to look even worse. However, money was paid for this work. Indeed, according to Spanish law, this work, although bad, is legal.

The second attempt to save the painting came out even worse than the first
The second attempt to save the painting came out even worse than the first
Meanwhile, the original image of the face of the Virgin Mary
Meanwhile, the original image of the face of the Virgin Mary

There is no law in Spain that would prohibit people from restoring works of art, even if they do not have the necessary education and skills. And this often leads to real disasters. As a result, a country with such a rich cultural heritage is facing artistic vandalism on an epic scale!

Professor Fernando Carrera (from the Galician School for the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage) says the following about this: “A huge amount of cultural and historical heritage that has passed through the centuries is similarly destroyed every day. People spoil priceless works of art. This is truly awful! After all, it is impossible to imagine that someone without appropriate education can be allowed to operate on other people? Or sell drugs without a pharmacist license? But, as for the masterpieces of art and historical heritage - here the Spanish government is showing criminal indifference! After all, this is our story. It's just as important as healthcare."

One of the most famous cases where good intentions led straight to hell was the fresco "The Man Jesus". In 2012, one kind parishioner, Cecilia Jimenez, decided to "restore" the image, damaged by time and water. This church of the Sanctuary of Mercy in the city of Borja, she visited all her life and considered it her Christian duty to help. As a result, what happened to the amazing work of "Ecce Homo" by the artist of the 19th and 20th centuries, Elias Garcia Martinez, was dubbed by people as "a monkey." Before that, it was a beautiful image of Christ in a crown of thorns, which was written in 1930.

Original fresco depicting Jesus
Original fresco depicting Jesus
An astonishing work by Cecilia Jimenez
An astonishing work by Cecilia Jimenez

Subsequently, an elderly woman made excuses: “I had nothing but good intentions! I have always believed that I was doing everything right. Besides, I haven't finished my work yet! (but this is really scary!). Of course, Cecilia received permission for her work from the local priest.

The story received an unexpected continuation in the form of attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world to contemplate the work of Signora Jimenez. The woman became famous!

So, in principle, we can say that everywhere there are pros and cons. However, experts insist that these works must be protected. It is very important to entrust such works only to the best professionals. After all, art objects are unique in their historical, cultural and emotional value.

Will it be possible to restore the picture to its former splendor?
Will it be possible to restore the picture to its former splendor?

Is it over for the Immaculate Conception of Los Venerals? The newly hired expert will try his best to repair the damage caused to the painting in order to correct what was done at least partially. Let's hope that everything will work out and the beautiful canvas will regain its former greatness.

The theme of religion in art is very popular. Read our article on how the mystery of the double halo of Christ on the crucifixion from Santa Croce was solved.

Recommended: