Anatomy of Lucas Cranach’s Adam & Eve: A Case Study in Conservation

Lucas Cranach the Elder painted some of the most seductive images of the early 16th century. A recent conservation project to clean and study his Adam and Eve from the Norton Simon Museum of Art in Pasadena provided a rare opportunity to investigate how Cranach produced such large panel paintings and the technique behind his sinuous painting style.
In this program the experts involved in the multi-year conservation project will discuss the fascinating challenges they faced and their solutions, along with the surprising findings that reveal how this leading Renaissance painter created his life-size images. The conversation will take place in two parts: conservators and curators will focus on the first phase of the project, cleaning Adam and Eve, and share insights into Cranach’s painting technique. Following a refreshments break, specialists in wood panel conservation, and conservation scientists from the Getty Conservation Institute, will discuss the intricate structural restoration and highlights from the scientific study. Following the program, speakers will be on hand in the exhibition to answer questions.
PARTICIPANTS
Ulrich Birkmaier, senior conservator of paintings, J. Paul Getty Museum
George Bisacca, conservator emeritus, Metropolitan Museum of Art
John Griswold, head of conservation and installations, Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena
Douglas MacLennan, assistant scientist, Getty Conservation Institute
MODERATORS
Anne Woollett, curator of paintings, Getty Museum
Emily Talbot, chief curator, Norton Simon Museum
SCHEDULE
2:00-3:00 pm: Panel I
3:00-3:30 pm: Coffee break
3:30-4:30 pm: Panel II
This program was presented at the Getty Center and Online on Saturday February 17, 2024, www.getty.edu/visit/cal/event..., and complements the exhibition "Conserving Eden: Cranach's Adam and Eve from the Norton Simon Museum," www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions..., on view in Gallery N204 through April 21, 2024.
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[@JaniceShanahan]

I found this fascinating, especially the last hour. The information about how the conservationists used science and other Cranach works was very interesting. Some of the speakers had the "um" habit and I found that very distracting. However, I would still recommend this video if you are interested in art and conservation. I have seen these paintings at the Getty, AMAZING.

[@user-pk4gm7dd6l]

I didn't realize the 101 Airborne recovered these paintings from the Nazis. If so, why can't the heirs receive the paintings? I think the story of the Nazi theft should be displayed along with the paintings.