In the permanent collection of the museum returned two equestrian portraits of royal and Diego Velazquez antique sculpture, depicting a sleeping Ariadne

Last week, the chief Spanish Museum - Prado - introduced to the public the results of this year's restoration work, which sponsored the foundation Fundación Iberdrola. The project reorganization and improvement of the museum exhibition, in particular, its such an important part, as a collection of works by Diego Velázquez (Diego Velázquez), the museum has restored two of the famous wizard - painting "Philip III on horseback" and "Margaret of Austria, on horseback." These portraits were created by Velasquez and his assistants for the Hall of kings palace Buen Retiro (destroyed in the XIX century) and entered the famous series of portraits of the artist's horse, among them a portrait of Philip IV, Isabella of Bourbon and Prince Baltasar Carlos. During the restoration has been restored under the influence of the changed time of both color colorful canvases. Also by adding additional pieces of canvas on the left and right has been restored the initial size of both papers, so compositionally they read now is completely different to the forefront of their internal dynamics. Restored portraits can be seen in the 12th hall of the museum.

Diego Velasquez Philip III on horseback (before restoration) Source: artdaily.com

Diego Velasquez Philip III on horseback (after restoration) Source: artdaily.com

< p class = "mat1"> Over the past year has been restored yet another significant exhibit Prado - antique sculpture the sleeping Ariadne, located in the famous round room, better known as "The Rotunda of Ariadne." The sculpture refers to the period of Marcus Aurelius, she repeats the famous Greek sculptor, the figure of Pergamum school, created nearly 150-year BC. The sculpture was part of the collection of Queen Christina of Sweden (1626-1689) and was restored about 1670 students of the famous sculptor Bernini Dzhanlorentso (Gianlorenzo Bernini). However, traces of this restoration, during which the sculpture have been added to the lost fragments, were too evident, making it difficult to perceive it as a complete work of art. During the restoration restored the unity of color sculpture and installed it on a new pedestal. Experts updated and the interior, "Rotunda Ariadne," which became more harmonious and fully complies with the requirements now modern expository.

Foundation Fundación Iberdrola concluded with an agreement on the Prado Museum collaboration and support restoration projects in November 2010 year. In addition, the Foundation supports the museum created a grant program for young restorers.

Prepared by Mary Estrova, AI

< p class = "mat2left"> Source : artdaily.com , artinvestment.ru