Restorers must grapple with ethical dilemmas: should a piece be returned to its original state, or should its aged appearance be preserved to reflect its historical journey? The goal is to maintain authenticity while ensuring the artwork remains accessible for future generations. With technological advancements such as X-ray fluorescence and infrared imaging, experts can analyse the underlying layers of a painting, revealing an artist’s process without physically touching the artwork.
Art restorer Lucy Blumenthal, restoring an artwork by Andrew Verster. Photo courtesy of Durban University of Technology
Notable Restorations: Successes and Failures
One of the most celebrated restorations is the work done on Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Over the centuries, layers of grime and candle soot dulled the vibrancy of the paintings. In the 1980’s and 90’s, a meticulous restoration project revealed the original bright colours that Michelangelo had intended. However, the process sparked debate, with some critics arguing that the removal of layers also stripped away Michelangelo’s final touches.
One of Michaelangelo's restored frescoes in the Sistine Chapel
Conversely, some restoration attempts have ended in disaster. The infamous “Ecce Homo” fresco in Spain, also known as the “Monkey Christ,” is one of the most extreme examples of restoration gone wrong. An elderly parishioner attempted to restore a deteriorating fresco of Jesus, but the result was an unrecognisable, cartoon-like face. Though unintended, the botched restoration brought international attention and even increased tourism to the small town of Borja, Spain.
Ecce Homo in its original and restored form
The Challenge of Materials and Techniques
Restoration work must be reversible and non-invasive, ensuring that future experts can undo any modifications if needed. This principle is exemplified in the Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper" restoration, which took 21 years to complete. Due to previous overpainting and deterioration, restorers had to carefully remove non-original layers while preserving Leonardo’s delicate strokes. The final result was a painting that closely resembled the original while acknowledging the gaps in its history.
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
Modern restorers also face challenges in dealing with contemporary materials. For example, Mark Rothko’s murals at Harvard University, which had faded significantly due to light exposure, were restored using a revolutionary digital projection method. Instead of repainting the work, experts used light to replicate the original colors, ensuring that the murals remained untouched while still appearing as Rothko intended.
Mark Rothko’s Harvard Murals, 2014–15, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, MA. From left: Panel One (Harvard Mural Triptych), 1962; Panel Two (Harvard Mural Triptych), 1962; Panel Three (Harvard Mural Triptych), 1962. As seen with coloured digital projection. Photo by Kate Lacey. © Kate Rothko Prizel and Christopher Rothko/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. © President and Fellows of Harvard College
The Role of Restoration in New Discoveries
Restoration and conservation efforts not only preserve existing artworks but also lead to groundbreaking discoveries. Recently, conservators at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London uncovered a hidden portrait beneath Pablo Picasso’s 1901 painting, "Portrait of Mateu Fernández de Soto." Using advanced infrared and X-ray imaging techniques, researchers found a mysterious female figure concealed beneath the surface, offering new insights into Picasso’s early Blue Period works. This discovery highlights how restoration projects can go beyond preservation, unlocking hidden layers of artistic history and deepening our understanding of an artist’s evolving techniques.
An infrared image of Portrait of Mateu Fernández de Soto by Pablo Picasso, revealing another portrait underneath. Image courtesy of The Courtauld Institute of Art/The Courtauld Institute of Art
The Future of Art Restoration
Looking ahead, restorers continue to explore cutting-edge solutions. Artificial intelligence and nanotechnology are being integrated into restoration efforts, providing a new layer of precision and accuracy. In addition, the increasing awareness of conservation means that museums and collectors are taking proactive steps to prevent deterioration before restoration becomes necessary.
Carefully removing centuries of wear, art restoration preserves history while maintaining the artist’s original vision
Art restoration remains a testament to human dedication to cultural preservation. Whether bringing new life to Renaissance masterpieces or rescuing modern works from decay, the delicate balance between conservation and restoration is a responsibility that requires both scientific knowledge and artistic sensitivity. As technology continues to advance, the hope is that future generations will be able to experience art as close as possible to the way its creators envisioned it.
