Dendermonde (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Anthony van Dyck’s “Christ on the Cross” (1630), measuring 3.8m × 2.7m and weighing 180kg, underwent restoration in Dendermonde, attracting over 5,000 visitors. Restorers Dietmar Vanneste and Sophie Lauwereins led the €100,000 project, funded partly by the Flemish government.
Anthony van Dyck was a famous Baroque painter who worked around the same time as Peter Paul Rubens. He made an important painting called “Christ on the Cross” in 1630.This artwork measures about 3.8 meters tall and 2.7 meters wide, making it very noticeable. It weighs around 180 kilograms, which means it needs special care and techniques to keep it safe.
What challenges did restorers face in reviving Van Dyck’s “Christ on the Cross” in Dendermonde?
The painting was taken down for restoration, which is a careful process that needs a team of experts who know how to handle big and valuable artworks. Sophie Lauwereins, one of the restorers, said it was an exciting experience. The team carefully planned how to take the painting down, making sure it was safely moved and put back up securely after the work was done.
It has been said that restorers Dietmar Vanneste and Sophie Lauwereins carefully fixed Anthony van Dyck’s painting “Christ on the Cross.” They started by repairing spots where the paint had faded to keep the artwork looking good. Next, they cleaned the back of the canvas to remove dust and dirt, and then they gently cleaned the front to protect the paint. A big part of their work was taking off an old yellow varnish that made the colors look dull. After removing it, the painting’s colors became bright and lively again. They also fixed any small damages left and put on a new layer of varnish to protect and improve the artwork’s look.
In the Church of Our Lady in Dendermonde, two notable paintings by Anthony Van Dyck are displayed. The restoration of “Christ on the Cross” took place in the church, allowing visitors to watch the process. Over 5,000 people visited during this time, including many locals and international tourists. The total cost of the restoration was 100,000 euros, with half of the funding provided by the Flemish government. The restoration has contributed positively to the city’s appeal.
