St. Employees of the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg began restoring the painting “The Last Day of Pompeii”. It was reported that the works will be carried out directly in the exhibition hall. TASS referring to the statement of the general director of the institution, Alla Manilova.
As the expert said, everyone will be able to watch the restoration of Karl Bryullov’s painting. At the same time, it was decided to restore the painting in preparation for a major exhibition in honor of the artist’s anniversary, the opening of which is planned to be held at the end of 2024.
“We couldn’t help but think that his masterpiece, ‘The Last Day of Pompeii’, was in need of a truly comprehensive scientific restoration for the first time in its almost 200-year history. “We decided that those who come to the Russian Museum should not be deprived of acquaintance with the main masterpiece and the pinnacle of the creativity of the great Karl,” said Manilova.
He added that in this context, the museum management decided not to move the painting and to carry out its restoration in front of the public. According to the director of the institution, the entire process will take place behind glass.
In response, the chief curator of the museum, Olga Babina, pointed out the presence of local experts with similar work experience. In the past, one of Mikhail Nesterov’s paintings had already been restored in the exhibition hall, but then a blank wall was built in front of it.
“There will now be glass here and every viewer will be able to look inside and see how the restoration took place,” he emphasized.
During the restoration of “The Last Day of Pompeii”, it is expected that the painting will be cleared of the next layers and its foundation will be strengthened. Experts will also need to bring the frame into proper shape.
Previously St. in St. Petersburg complete Restoration of the “Victory Train”.