Panel Paintings Initiative

Multi-Project Initiative

Improving the care of Old Master paintings on wooden panels

Close-up of a conservator's hand working on the conservation of a panel painting.

Pacino di Bonaguida’s Madonna with Child and Saints (1323–27) during emergency conservation treatment. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, Maryland (Gift of the Dr. Francis d. Murnaghan Fund, 1973), 37.2494

Photo: Aleksandra Hola

About

Goal

The Panel Paintings Initiative ensured that a sufficient number of well-trained conservators were in place to maintain quality care of Old Master paintings on wooden panels throughout European and North American collections when the field's leaders retired. The initiative also expanded expertise in structural panel paintings conservation in collections in Central and Eastern Europe.

Outcomes

  • A public symposium at Getty near the beginning of the initiative that included international participation and published proceedings

  • Needs Assessment that identified museums with the largest collections of panel paintings and the number of conservators who could find employment to care for them

  • At least 20 professionals who completed training residencies were either in senior positions at leading institutions or on their way to establishing careers in the field as of 2018

  • Dozens more individuals grew their knowledge through international workshops

  • Conservation treatment of significant masterpieces in the history of Western art

  • Exhibitions that made these results visible for public enjoyment

  • Formation of stronger professional networks among emerging conservators

  • Innovative digital applications featuring extensive documentation of artworks before, during, and after treatment

  • Translation and digital access of important historical texts for the structural care of paintings on wooden panels

  • Publication of an impact report summarizing initiative outcomes and individual projects funded through Getty grants

Project Details

Projects in This Initiative

Closer to Van Eyck

A painting on panel showing the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, a symbol for Christ

A digital project examining the Ghent Altarpiece before, during, and after conservation treatment

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