The Gentleman Within - Revealing A Dutch Portrait

[@scott5minutes]

I gotta say: I'm happy when he finds a painting that had been previously done that was actually handled with care by the previous restorer. Maybe not to 21st century standards, but certainly with professionalism and care.

[@XYGSteve]

I was going to say something similar. We often see former 'conservators' that are basically hacks that ruin paintings either with 'cleaning' or 'touch ups', or simply painting that were never maintained. This just seems like a maintenance restoration of something that was due...

[@en1909s9iah]

I think he doesnt usually shows these kinds of works because they require way less effort, and would not make a great "makeover" finale.

[@nationalsocialism3504]

The amount of "cleaning" that was done was still a fair amount of scrapping the painting requiring adding all the facial hair back on

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

Well, only up to a certain degree. The care ended when they cut the oval own and the inlay to make the painting fit was definitely amateur.

[@nrml76]

@@tiwantiwaabibiman2603 Depending on what the damage to the original painting was, the limitations of materials and technology at that time and most importantly, the possible inability of the owner to pay for a very extensive restoration, that might not have been an amateur decision at all.

[@renbou2577]

I never get tired of watching the varnish come off- sickly green skin turns pink, browned lace turned white, mottled dark backgrounds reveal beautiful blue, green, and brown tones

[@jabourq]

I'm a simple man. I see Baumgartner, I click.

[@sayanmandal2246]

Touché Brother.

[@mysticotton]

Same

[@nobodyplaylists]

Me too!

[@empathy.11]

@@nobodyplaylists love your playlists!

[@mjgholfza]

Me too!

[@horsi126cz8]

I know nobody is probably going to read this but I just wanna say, these videos mean a lot to me ❤. It might sound silly but when I’m sick or just not feeling well these videos really help. Never stop you’re incredible!

[@BaumgartnerRestoration]

I’m reading this and it means a lot to me.

[@pinkrainclouds2190]

Are you also chronically ill?

[@Linda-bq7eq]

Me too. I read your comment and concur. Julian imparts a deep, quiet excellence in his work - wonderfully comforting. What a gift on days that are a little too hard. Never stop, Julian. & Thanks.

[@abbsorad]

i have debilitating anxiety and these help me get to sleep so many times, i love watching them awake as well of course but they’re really good at helping calm me down, im writing this at 3am insomnia time.. wish me luck friends 💜

[@redfeather7986]

Me too! I'm disabled and some times my pain is so severe I can't sleep. These videos are interesting so i don't focus on my pain and comforting enough that I can fall asleep to. I have a few videos saved for especially frustrating days like today. Love to see others feel the same❤

[@nobodyplaylists]

Nothing better than watching a new Baumgartner video in the morning 😌

[@JoJo-jt7dh]

OMG, surprised to see you here 😮 love your playlists! ❤

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

Yooooo! of course you're here

[@Myndness]

I prefer watching it after work before going to bed to calm down.

[@rachellesutton6201]

I'm a night time Baumgartnerian consumer... the entire thing is relaxing, even if the man himself left us on a cliffhanger this time!

[@liddellasya]

Did not expect to see u here

[@katschs3965]

Julian, I’m torn. On the one hand, I love being able to see the whole process in one video, which is aided by the fast-forward sections. On the other hand, your process is so relaxing that I could watch it in real time with equal pleasure. Yes, even the scraping! I don’t think you need worry about any of us being bored by any part of the process. Thank you for letting us peer over your shoulder as you work. 🎨 💕

[@cw2071]

He looks a little bit like you especially around the eyes

[@KACn5582]

It is always satisfying to see a murky painting become so clean and detailed.

[@mwater_moon2865]

yes, I love seeing the guy is wearing a shirt, not just a "white" ruff and head suspended in darkness

[@TonboIV]

"This painting has been modified from its original version. It has been formatted to fit your frame."

[@Fallowsthorn]

I laughed, have an upvote.

[@fnaaijkens69]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA EPIC RESPONSE!

[@David_K_Booth]

Time spent watching or listening to an expert in their own field is seldom wasted - thank you for these videos.

[@BaumgartnerRestoration]

Thank you!!

[@albertadriftwood3612]

Watching the cleaning I can almost hear the artist giving a sigh of relief. “You see, I really did know my craft.”

[@timepoet77]

You've always been a source of comfort and inspiration. Thank you, Julian, for the gift that is you.

[@JxH]

30:36 The sitter's beard seems to have grown quite noticeably.

[@theblackswan84]

noticed this as well...did he explained at some point why he did enlongated his beard?

[@robertknight3354]

It was because the beard had been changed in a previous retouch. I think the person had sacrificed some beard for more colar.

[@hbg143]

At 24:34 you can see the length of the original beard he uses when retouching. I didn't notice it either until the end reveal and had to go back to figure it out.

[@JxH]

@@hbg143 Thank you !!

[@dodgethis_]

If only the sitter could've imagined that a few hundred years later, tens of thousands of people would watch his face come back to life.

[@samkultz353]

One of the most awaited times of my week when I'll learn about the removal of all kinds of grime and particulates

[@kathyk479]

While this person passed away many years ago. Conserving his portrait brings him back to life and reminds us that this person lived hopefully a full life. Who had a family and friends. It makes his life real, not just a story. Seeing portraits reminds me of who came before.

[@kndr2094]

Probably many lovers as well.

[@siliciumxsez4983]

And probably had killed so much innocent people

[@anewman1976]

It's not the first time I've heard Schubert here on your channel, you're definitely a fan!

[@Pepa14pig]

My monday just got so much better! Thank youuu

[@eddiehitthebeat1831]

same :))

[@mateosalta64]

Those wondering about the beard go back to 1:47 - it was painted over by the previous conservation

[@FreedomOfSport]

Thanks, I missed that part. The eyes seem to be a bit overdone but I might have missed that too 😆.

[@user93237]

With all due respect, I think it was made too long this time around.

[@benjaminbeier4036]

@@user93237 Its not the conservators task to shave the model on the painting. 😄

[@sarahwatts7152]

I'm wondering about the sort of thready brushstrokes used on the beard, is that a technique from the period? I've never seen Baumgartner do that style before

[@juliusandersen1026]

Yes, we dont know if its collar or beard, but that new beard is way too long

[@christiansmith2022]

“The conservator’s plight is his own and complaining about it falls on deaf ears.” So eloquently put!🤣

[@MariaM-up2he]

With all my respect I am an art historian this portrait it’s not Dutch. It is Spanish painter remember Low country was Spanish territory. What he wears it’s called Gola. This portrait looks a Spaniard. The way that Dutch painters paint it’s very different style. This is more Italian style.Theres a Spanish painter Coello it looks like his style.

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

he looked spanish to me too

[@elliepascoe5954]

I agree, this handsome gentleman is not Dutch❤🇳🇱

[@remko2]

First thing I thought was, "his might well be a Dutch painting, but the subject doesn't look Dutch to me"

[@francesw.6774]

Having had many paintings handled by a conservator for myself, I've learned so much more about what actually goes on in the conservation process through Julian's videos. Now, when I take paintings to my conservator, I can have a much more intelligent conversation about the conservation needs of a painting and ask better questions. Julian's videos have also helped me when considering whether to purchase a painting or not, based on its condition. Thanks, Julian!

[@BaumgartnerRestoration]

I’m so glad to hear this!!

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

I have a silly confession…. I always begin to watch him work while taking my morning vitamins. It usually takes me 5 minutes. But on those days I’m watching him bring a painting to life, I often realize I still have my first vitamin still in my hand, 30 minutes later when he’s finished. lol 🤗 I just get mesmerized!🤗🐝❤️

[@heehoopeanut420]

Yep, I love to watch his videos in the evening. It's so calming, yet entertaining and I'm always captivated. It helps me slow down before bed😂❤

[@kndr2094]

Thats a lot of vitamins

[@Isabellulla]

I’ve started showing these videos to my baby and he just loved them. He watches with huge eyes and then usually goes to sleep lol. Highly recommend for any other newborn parents out there.

[@mollymm1]

My 3 year old loves them to fall asleep to as well. We've been watching them together since he was an infant. I agree and also highly recommend lol

[@JustSayin916]

Julian, it doesn't matter how many times I watch you restore a painting. Every time, I am completely blown away at the amount of work you patiently put in and the incredible precision of everything you do. Just amazing.

[@TheGuardOfMagog]

Baumgartner is the only reason that I look forward to Monday!!

[@fernanda_bt]

8:54 scraping off rabbit skin glue is my favorite content to watch before sleep. It’s so satisfying 🫶

[@alfabsc]

Wait! Was that a self-portrait at the beginning? I would love to see more original work from Julian and Kitt! 🤩

[@Lord_Raymund]

Thought you meant the painting first, and said “yeah he kinda looks like Julian with a goatee”, but then I went back an saw the drawings xD

[@BaumgartnerRestoration]

Yeah, those were some portraits that I made many lifetimes ago.

[@thecharleskennedy]

It would be fun to see them do one of each other, or swap half way through and finish each others

[@alfabsc]

@@thecharleskennedy Yes!

[@alfabsc]

@@BaumgartnerRestoration Puh-leeze think about it. We love your work.

[@richetyler3395]

Does it take anyone else a week to finish 1 video 😂 I fall asleep every time lol. Julian has the best bedtime monologues 😊

[@CalicoShadowPlusCat]

Every time I see such care and mastery in restoring these works of art back to their original glory and beauty it brings a tear to my eye. Because of people like Baumgartner another generation can appreciate the beauty and history that would otherwise be lost. This is one of my favorite channels and I always look forward to the next time I can watch this master at work. ❤️

[@mommehnator]

I was just in Canada at a lovely old hotel in Banff, and saw some paintings, and my first thought was how Julian would restore them. They have a lot of old varnish and smoke dirt from fireplaces. Honestly, watching these videos makes me see fine art in a completely different way. Thank you, Julian Baumgartner!

[@TheCrochetmama]

I love watching you work. Your voice is perfect and relaxing. It is so satisfying to see the process and finished product.

[@renaissancemom817]

Schubert’s “Serenade” is one of my favorite pieces!

[@valarya]

Same! And it always reminds me of that 90s movie, Perfect Harmony. 😅

[@pixels2u]

Thx for mentioning it - I wasn’t familiar with it, but found it enchanting.

[@mikya9611]

A fresh Baumgartner. It's gonna be a good morning!

[@Luvr-wv9hv]

Julian, I look forward to watching your videos each week. I love the magic when the old varnish and grime are removed and we get to see the painting as the artist intended! Can't wait to see how you fix that effed up frame! You are the best!

[@mauricepowers3804]

Cant wait for part 2!!! I love your attention to detail and how you know your paints!! Simply stunning!!!

[@nileswilson577]

Yeah it's you, I do look forward to see that you have a new blog out. Thank You for saving that gentlemen for a another 100 years.😊 You put the gleam back in his eyes.

[@firstlast5068]

Oh Julian, I have three things to say: 1) LOVED this video; as always, you've done another amazing restoration! 2) Enjoyed seeing the little legs of the kiddos in the background. 3) Finally, I now know where all of my coffee filters have gone - that ruff is spectacular.

[@suzisaintjames]

As you're painting his face, I realize he's getting a makeover and with most makeovers he looks soooo much better! 👍. Too bad sunspots and blemishes on actual flesh is not so easily repaired! 💕🌞🌵😷

[@froggysoup2587]

something about seeing the dedication and artistry through each of these videos, inspires me. Having these videos on in the background while I sew is relaxing and entertaining! Love all of this work!!

[@thepagan5432]

The cleaning is always a treat as we get to see the parts of the painting that have been diffused under varnish, dirt and grime for years. I was surprised at all the really small spots of paint loss, but Julian and his magic pfaint brush soon made things so much better. As an aside, I try to imagine what it must feel like to wear a ruff, and I can only think that it must have been irritating, have you ever worn a ruff, what was it like ? Great post as always looking forward to the frame restoration.

[@pchabanowich]

The restoration is spectacular. Did you ever have the feeling that this fellow could be like an old Dutch you? Similarities... Also, your choice of the Schubert is perfection. Whoever the pianist is, has rendered it in all its splendour. Thank you for this share.💐

[@blingyjulz9918]

I love watching the cleaning process and listening to Julian s commenttary. He is such a talented! retoucher... I have watched all of his videos at least 3 times over.. my favorite been, lifting the veil. I noticed a small boy in the background of this video when he was tacking the canvas to the stretcher! Must be his son? Keep your videos rolling out Julian, wow I'm always amazed and in awe ❤🎉

[@martemacdougall1985]

Well, Mr. Baumgartner.. I'm impressed. First time to your channel! Love that you explain as you go without talking down to us viewers. Great work.❤

[@gokussgod8999]

After watching your videos sometimes I get to thought I wish I could live long enough to see somebody redo your work with their new technology and say what a masterful conservator you are and it's always a joy to work after someone who knew what they were doing

[@GeekFilter]

Ok I am SUPER impressed with that corner cutting. I've had to do similar things (I'm a graphic designer who started out in the 80s) and it's SO hard and yours looks almost machine cut to fit perfectly!

[@marliessigar7968]

Marvelous ! ❤❤❤ Love it !!! Really, really excellent work done with highly sensitivity & knowledge 😊 I am deeply impressed about your great skills. & I am a painter with a lot of experience in painting portraits too...really well done !!! The face is living again & tells us so much more than the old overpainted version... thanks so much !!!

[@tahliahart5438]

This is my new favorite porttrait that you have worked on Julian. The look in the sitter's eyes is so knowing, like he is peering into my soul. The artist (and you, of course) did a fine job indeed. Thank you for bringing more art into my life that I would never get to experience otherwise. You're a mensch.

[@lindabreckler777]

I always love to see you bring back these beautiful pieces to life. Thank you.

[@bebomora7391]

I’m amazed with every video, I enjoy watching the transformation so much. I’ll watch them all day ❤❤❤

[@KevboKev]

The gentleman in the portrait could easily put on some clothes from this century and blend right in. He was ahead of his time!

[@forkless]

Yes, I was going to say that he indeed looks quite contemporary.

[@ivoryowl]

Just goes to show you that fashion trends come and go.

[@ObsoletePencil]

Are you implying short hair and goatees are strictly modern?

[@ThatsShowbizBabyy]

He looks like he knows what an iPhone is!

[@Fiakajsa]

@@ThatsShowbizBabyy😂

[@49rogs]

Thank you for posting another restoration. I enjoy watching how you do your job ,to make paintings beautiful again

[@NickGreyden]

I haven't dove too deep into the comments section, but it seemed to me the darkened spot on the white ruffle under his chin was a shadow and not the beard. Did anyone see something I didn't? I assume Julian saw something as he has been an avid "don't add, only restore" guy. But curious why the beard turned out so long when it seemed to be originally short.

[@eliascorson6547]

I wondered the same thing…

[@meeseification]

The previous conservationist have him a haircut.

[@Mudjie50]

Always look forward to your videos. His goatee looked at close up resembled a forest of burned trees. You are very talented in bring the tired and sometimes abused paintings alive again.. I am sure the artist who did the paintings would be grateful and in awe.

[@xliquidflames]

There is such an art to this science. What an incredible job. I wonder who he was.

[@Absaalookemensch]

WOW I love to see history restored to continue living for centuries more. Another amazing job. Well done.

[@frozenfeather13]

I don't remember if I've said this before, but it doesn't hurt to say it again. I love seeing these videos. I absolutely love art and seeing it taken care of so beautifully and neatly is so cool. I've seen the process hundreds of times from you, but I still love watching the full video haha I just love seeing the process. It's something that probably feels mundane to you in your career, but it's just really neat to see and brings me a lot of joy. And also I hope Kit knows how awesome she is and how much we ADORE her, she's so nice and funny and sweet and so hungry for knowledge, I seriously always get so happy when she makes an appearance.

[@melissataylor5494]

I just want you to know that I was really pleased to see your new video. Thank you for sharing.❤

[@linustorpa]

I really enjoyed this video; seeing the skimming on paintings get fixed always makes the biggest difference to me, cause even with big tears; what's missing almost becomes a plain mystery, but with skimming it's like seeing it through a net; it'a clearly visable, but it's just made worse by what's in front.

[@myasar974]

This was pretty amazing, great work (as always). I can see this same video being made to one of your restorations in the future by the next generation of restorers, to a painting you have restored. From your explanation it appears the previous restorer was not only a highly skilled expert, but innovative for their time. I hope (and expect) they will have praise for your conservation work, and with future innovations will be able to say 'but we can do better'. Keeping artworks of human history conserved and preserved for future generations is important, even if it's not attributed to a 'master'. Great work

[@robloxgoofs1916]

I love to watch you touch up paint. It just blends in and disappears. Great job

[@jeankipper6954]

Your calm, peaceful masculine voice, as you conduct your art, is so appreciated! Wonderful creation! Thank you!

[@crabtonia]

It never ceases to amaze me just how much dirt accumulates over the years on the surface of an oil-painting...this was a case in point and you made such a difference...thank you...dgp/uk

[@essietangle9931]

There was just something about this face, it’s as though he knew you would make him wonderful and whole again.

[@TheRockWolf95]

Oh, what a delight it is to watch these videos! The tranquility, the serenity, and the sheer pleasure of witnessing the painting truly come back to life are simply captivating. Furthermore, the gentleman in the painting possesses a distinguished appearance. I would be honored to have the opportunity to spend time with someone of such refined demeanor 😍

[@samanthadean1083]

Fantastic job, can’t wait to see what you came up with for the frame!

[@bencaton1514]

I love the fact these videos come out at the end of my working day on Mondays, gives me something to look forward to!

[@Nanna-hpi]

Watching you restore all these battered pictures is both soothing and satisfying. My favourite will remain the torn portrait of the boy. There is something extremely emotional about it. ♥️

[@nataliaferreyra8047]

Your talent never stops amazing me Julian. What a beautiful portrait and restoration.

[@vxrdrummer]

I have watched nearly the whole catalogue of videos on this channel now, but I dont think I have ever felt the need to comment before, but this painting made me want to. I have never seen anything but virtual perfection in the workmanship. However, there were areas in this one I noticed; the beard looked a bit too spiney and wispy, there was a patch in the collar (think it may be known as a 'Rough'?) that was far too grey, and the profile of the nose was changed to look very thin by the line down the bridge that was used to touch up, being a different colour to the rest of it. I paused it to look at the painting, and I feel it's not his best touching up, but certainly better than I could do! Overall the work is virtually flawless, but I think some constructive criticism never hurts anyone. Our eyes don't lie!

[@YTubePlaylist]

We are visiting Amsterdam, and had the privilege of visiting the Rijksmuseum today where we saw room after room of Dutch art. It was a wonderful surprise to watch you restore a Dutch painting. I thought about you today when we saw The Night Watch. It is currently being worked on and we had to view it through some scaffolding.😊

[@tgh965]

I am always amazed at the transformation. Thank you for the extra work to bring us along!

[@allendean9807]

Thank you so much for showing your work. As a songwriter and musician, i know how hard it can be to put yourself out there, and i can say, it is beautiful Thank you

[@equesdeventusoccasus]

I appreciate all of the details he explains in this video. Letting us know exactly why he does each step. It could be used as a training film for interns in his shop.

[@triplex86]

Magnificent work, as usual. Thank you for posting the video.

[@christinescroggins2442]

This painting is so captivating. The owners will enjoy for years to come. Beautiful work, as always.

[@nicolemillner2128]

Beautiful work as always. And that Schubert... so perfect.

[@MDeLorien]

Love this portrait. You did a absolutely stunning work as always 😊 Greetings from Portugal

[@Skirt553]

It's a testament to Julian's skills that the face looks like it hasn't been touched by much time passage, and that there's not any damage to the painting.

[@chokachoka1134]

Woah. I don't know if anyone has stated but it was amazing seeing your own creations!! Damn, amazing skills

[@RWS1255]

I'm addicted 😂. I'm not an art guy. I do appreciate the art from this time period. You bring it back to life. 😊

[@AllenHolland-rj3is]

Mr Julian you are a Master at work. Enjoy you and your videos so much thank you dear Sir ❤

[@Aiwendill]

watching Julian using bricklayers trowel on a painting was a new kind of experience... :D

[@Shooshoobella7]

Beautiful restoration as usual, Julian. I always experience a bit of sonder when I look at old portraits, especially ones that are not famous or well known. Who was this person? What did they do and what kind of life did they lead? What was their personality like? What were their dreams and aspirations? Whom did they love? It fills me with wonder, but also bittersweet nostalgia for a time gone by and a person who must have lived a full and fascinating life.

[@megbond]

I was recently watching a tour of an English castle, and when I saw all the portraits on the wall that were almost black from the huge fireplace below them, I thought, 'They should send them to Julian - he'll bring them back from the dark!' I love watching the old portraits with the white ruffs losing the grime and old varnish. It's like it gets a good bleaching in the wash!

[@federicoprice2687]

Stunning work, as ever! I loved the regrowth of the beard - supreme! ❤

[@iriskneisel6238]

How wonderful. A really beautiful portrait is saved and “Leise beg, my songs” by Schubert. Perfect.

[@LukasMohr-rk3xx]

What a gift on a monday! Your video style is so soothing, that I only can enjoy and relax. Thank you for making this, it really makes my day if I see another video uploaded by you!

[@feralbluee]

My goodness, Julian. This is a beautiful work. He has such expression in his eyes - he has a soul. And your work was incredible. There was so much to be done on this painting. Your touchups are always meticulous and, of course, an art in themselves. It’s just a beautiful and striking portrait. Thank you so much. Isn’t fashion a scream sometimes. That ruffle is wonderful, but it must have been starched. Sure hope it was comfortable. Thanks for helping me to forget the election results (11.6.2024). Now on to the frame 😊☀️💙🌷🌱

[@joanb7567]

Spectacular is a understatement… I absolutely love watching the transformations ❤❤❤

[@silva7493]

One of the sweetest joys in life I know, is when I'm watching Mr. Baumgartner as he releases his art works, having been so long held captive under old brown/yellow varnish.

[@davidhoy7605]

I'm not an artist, and frankly have never paid that much attention to art. But I'm addicted to your videos, and they are giving me a whole new appreciation of the subject. You might just make me pay more attention to it going forward :-)

[@ososkid]

I always sit through all the scraping. I feel like I owe it to you to do my part and watch it all. He was really pasty under there. I would never have guessed Dutch Someday I hope you can clean around the eyes first so he looks like he’s been wearing sunglasses.

[@phoenixpayton8667]

this video has the same vibes that your channel had when I first found it like 4 years ago, and idk what it is, maybe I'm different but I like it a lot. pls explain everything, assume I know nothing. I love it

[@codemonkey2k5]

I honestly think I could watch you do your touchup work in real time for hours. It's a very satisfying experience.

[@darilynkrupp6309]

I love watching your meticulous work and the finished painting looking once again as the artist intended.

[@ProfessorChaosKitty]

I love your work, and it will be great to see how you frame this handsome gentleman

[@itsdaelis2554]

I’ve been working hard on my art, having a feeling of perfectionism because I’m going to university for art. This has made me very frustrated and disconnected from art. This is really helping. Thank you :)

[@patf.3776]

Wow. What a fantastic outcome. I think this is one of my favorite restorations you have done.

[@danellabarnes-penman1118]

The ruffled collar sure was visibly transformed by that cleaning process. My goodness! I love watching you work, Julian. Thank you!❤

[@ddazuulada]

I just realized it's been five years since I started watching these, I can't imagine living without Baumgartner now