Lebran. Restoration of Banana WaQ

About the Exhibition

This special exhibition, held in Hall 19, one of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum's permanent galleries, is themed on the restoration and technical study of Peter Paul Rubens's Venus and Cupid. Through the restoration process of this work, the exhibition offers new understanding of the materials and working methods Rubens used, recovering the color balance and visual depth that had been obscured by layers of grime and damage accumulated over a long period. The exhibition includes 12 works in total, alongside other signature works by Rubens and material from the restoration process, allowing visitors to grasp his artistic tendencies and technique. In particular, the layer-by-layer working method and use of color that emerged during restoration provide important clues for understanding his artistic identity. The exhibition's highlight is the chance to see the restored Venus and Cupid directly, with video material and technical analysis documenting the restoration process also on view.