ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Video shows step-by-step restoration of a 17th-century painting

cultural-heritage · 2026-05-04

A video titled 'The Conservation of a Cornelius Janssens Portrait' documents the full restoration process of a 17th-century painting by Anglo-Dutch artist Cornelis Janssens van Ceulen (1593–1661). Published by Chicago-based Baumgartner Fine Art Restoration, the video features studio owner Julian Baumgartner explaining each phase. The painting was heavily soiled with surface grime, discolored varnish, and overpaint from previous interventions. Baumgartner uses tested, reversible materials throughout the process, emphasizing clarity and reversibility. The studio collaborates with galleries, foundations, and small museums.

Key facts

  • Video title: 'The Conservation of a Cornelius Janssens Portrait'
  • Published by Baumgartner Fine Art Restoration in Chicago
  • Features Julian Baumgartner explaining the restoration process
  • Subject: painting by Cornelis Janssens van Ceulen (1593–1661)
  • Painting had surface grime, discolored varnish, and excess overpaint
  • All materials used are tested and fully reversible
  • Studio works with galleries, foundations, and small museums

Entities

Artists

  • Cornelis Janssens van Ceulen
  • Julian Baumgartner

Institutions

  • Baumgartner Fine Art Restoration

Locations

  • Chicago
  • United States

Sources