Behind the scenes in Conservation

How we uncovered the secrets of the Gallery’s oldest painting

Learn about the surprising discoveries which were revealed during the restoration of Margarito d’Arezzo’s 'Virgin and Child Enthroned'

About

In this episode, Laura Llewellyn, Associate Curator (Renaissance Painting) meets Conservator Kristina Mandy and Senior Scientists, Helen Howard and David Peggie, to hear about the discoveries they made about Margarito d’Arezzo’s Virgin and Child Enthroned during its restoration. Laura then joins the Art Handling team to see the painting go back on display on the Gallery wall.

Image: Margarito d'Arezzo, 'The Virgin and Child Enthroned, with Narrative Scenes', probably about 1263-4

About the painting

This is the oldest picture in our collection. It shows the Virgin Mary, seated on a throne with the Christ Child on her lap, within a 'mandorla' (an almond-shaped enclosure). Around them are eight scenes of the lives of various saints; two show Saint John the Evangelist and two show Saint Nicholas.

Learn more about the painting and zoom into the details.

A Closer Look: Conservation of Paintings

Learn more about the art of conservation with our 'Closer Look' guides. Get any two books in the series for only £15.

Watch previous episodes in the series:

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Kendall Francis and Larry Keith discuss the restoration of a work with a 'snowstorm' of painting loss

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Larry Keith reveals an exciting discovery about Piazzetta's unfinished work, 'The Sacrifice of Isaac', and explains the plan for the painting's restoration

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