MFA Boston to Host Live Conservation of 17th-Century Dutch Painting

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston will soon allow visitors to observe the restoration of a 17th-century Dutch group portrait. Starting December 9, museumgoers can watch the year-long conservation of Nicolaes Eliasz Pickenoy's "The Founders of the Amsterdam Wine Merchants Guild" (1625). This event will take place in a pop-up studio located in the MFA's Center for Netherlandish Art's Innovation Gallery.

The painting, created by Nicolaes Eliasz Pickenoy, depicts the six founding members of the Amsterdam Wine Merchants Guild. This guild was a lucrative trade organization that operated until the late 18th century. The artwork was acquired by the MFA in the previous year.

Throughout the restoration, conservators, scientists, art historians, and curators will work together in the pop-up studio. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe these professionals as they cycle through the studio, engaging in the various stages of the conservation process.

The pop-up studio will be accessible to museumgoers, providing a unique chance to witness the collaborative efforts involved in preserving a historic painting. The event highlights the expertise of the MFA's staff and the museum's commitment to sharing the conservation process with the public.