Page 44 - Contemporary Art and Old Masters
P. 44
THE MUSEO NACIONAL
DEL PRADO RECOVERS
VEL ÁZQUEZ ORIGINAL
COMPOSITION FOR THE
SPINNERS
Made possible by American Friends with the generous
sponsorship of American Express Foundation
Image of The Spinners by Velázquez with the new frame displayed in room
15 A. Photo © Museo Nacional del Prado.
THE WORK IS INTEGRATED INTO AN INNOVATIVE The Spinners or The Fable of Arachne is a principle
INSTALLATION SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE composition of Velázquez mature period with a
MASTERPIECE AND INCORPORATES NEW TECHNICAL complex meaning. The new framing system developed
FEATURES FOR CONSERVATION. by the Prado Museum now displays the work in the
best conditions for visitors. The project, supported by
THE RECOVERY OF VELAZQUEZ’S COMPOSITION American Friends of the Prado Museum thanks to the
MARKS THE FIRST ACTION OF THE “REFRAMING THE sponsorship of American Express Foundation, helps
PRADO” PROJECT WHICH AIMS TO DEVELOP NEW the viewer understand original significance of the
SOLUTIONS AND ADEQUATE FRAMING FEATURES painting.
FOR THE BEST PRESENTATION OF THE PRADO’S
COLLECTION. HISTORIC ADDITIONS AFFECTING THE SPINNERS BY
VELÁZQUEZ.
“REFRAMING THE PRADO” IS SUPPORTED BY
AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE PRADO MUSEUM In the 18th century, the canvas was extended around
THANKS TO THE GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP OF THE its perimeter with wide band of canvas above the
AMERICAN EXPRESS FOUNDATION. original composition (the archway and dormer
window) and slimmer bands onto the right, left and
Image of The Spinners by Velázquez with the new frame. lower edges. This type of intervention was frequently
Photo © Museo Nacional del Prado.
performed in the Spanish royal collections, but in the
case of The Spinners it detracts from the perception
of the painting as conceived by Velázquez. The scene
in the foreground is distanced from the scene in the
background, converting its mythological content,
considered key to understanding the work, to a genre
scene.
The Prado Museum, aware of this effect yet
conscience to preserve the historical additions,
reframed The Spinners in the past few years with a
system that allowed the Velázquez composition to be
seen. However, this system made access to the back
of the painting difficult and since 2017 the museum
has been developing an improved installation that
permits access to review the work at all times and
shows the original composition. This process now
Image of The Spinners by Velázquez with the new frame. Photo © Museo
Nacional del Prado. reaches a successful and optimal conclusion.
44 WORLD of ART
