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

GETTY CENTER

Harold M. Williams Auditorium

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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.

This program complements Conserving Eden: Cranach’s Adam and Eve from the Norton Simon Museum of Art, on view in Gallery N204 through April 21, 2024.

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