Conservator Jill Dunkerton tells us about the meticulous conservation of Geertgen tot Sint Jans's 'The Nativity at Night'.
Geertgen tot Sint Jans's painting is one of the National Gallery's most popular nativities. Despite fire damage and thick layers of varnish, the exquisite painting was still a striking combination of darkness and light.
Using an almost hairless paintbrush, Jill tell us how she reinstated some of the tiny touches of light radiating from the Christ Child. We hear the story behind the miniature bonfire illuminating the shepherds in the background and how Joseph emerged from the shadows.
The painting will go back on display in May 2025 as part of 'C C Land: The Wonder of Art', an ambitious redisplay of our entire collection. You can find out more here: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/c-c-land-the-wonder-of-art
? Find out more about 'The Nativity at Night': https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/geertgen-tot-sint-jans-the-nativity-at-night
?️ Find out more about Geertgen tot Sint Jans: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/geertgen-tot-sint-jans
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The National Gallery houses the national collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The museum is free of charge and open 361 days per year, daily between 10am - 6pm and on Fridays between 10am - 9pm.
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