VRANOV NAD DYJÍ STATE CHATEAU

FEBRUARY 28 - TWO RESTORED PAINTINGS CAME BACK TO LIFE

In January and February 2008, the chateau administration facilitated the expert restoration of a portrait depicting Marie Anna Althann – Pignatelli (1689 – 1755 - a famous personality in the history of Vranov. The portrait of this lady, who was called “beautiful Mariana”, was an imperial authority, and maintained good relations with the Emperor Charles VI., was painted between the 1720’s and the 1730’s. The successful and clearly visible work of the restorer especially removed some of the over-painting, and restored colour harmony in the artwork. In the new season, visitors can also look forward to seeing a restored oil painting of a young cavalier wearing a long wig, which probably comes from the first quarter of the 18th century. The painting was in a very poor condition so the process of its reconstruction also included a thorough survey and ironing onto a new canvas. This exceptional painting of gallery quality depicts an unknown man in his 20’s, a member of the aristocracy, dressed in a lavishly decorated cuirass.

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