Torn Portrait Conservation: Restoring The Child

Check out www.squarespace... for a free trial or go to
squarespace.com... to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.
--
There's something about the preciousness, innocence and pure joy (in between bouts of hysterical madness and nerve wracking fury) about the early years of childhood. Something fleeting and intangible like the wind; able to stand one's hairs upon end and yet gone before we can quantify it. Captured in oil on canvas yet pierced with a wretched tear this painting was once, and will be again a testament to that moment. That is, if we can find a solution to a particularly tricky client-imposed limitation.
--
Support me on Patreon
/ baumgartnerrestoration
Official Baumgartner Merchandise
teespring.com/...
Follow me on
Instagram - / baumgartnerrestoration
Facebook - / baumgartnerfineartrest...

[@khrob]

Your self-control in not leaving a grime-layer 'beard' until the last bit of the first round of cleaning is truly inspiring.

[@mumiemonstret]

He opted for the "infantile delinquent" look (11:53) instead, I think it's just as good!

[@Jan_Strzelecki]

@@mumiemonstret I almost expected him to make it into a superhero mask 🙃

[@Jean2235177]

Holy moly that was one grimy painting! The cleaning alone was a huge improvement. The curl on the child’s hair is so stinking adorable. Love it!

[@SuperLifestream]

9:00 Me: "Oh Julian is starting on the black".... "Wait thats not black"

[@wandapease-gi8yo]

The child looks just like one of the kewpie dolls that were popular at one time.

[@anitasmith7764]

Yes! This artist was amazing!

[@artsyscrub3226]

I love the hesitantion at "keep the....oval strecher....square?" It was really funny

[@oltedders]

I believe that any long-time followers of the channel could competently deliver the narration for the process, start to finish by now.😊

[@lindadority1056]

And yet we still watch😊

[@oltedders]

@lindadority1056 And yet, we still don't mute the sound.

[@theresathomas1258]

I think I could even do the Square Space commercial …at an appropriate time, of course

[@glazdarklee1683]

For me it's sort of like watching baseball. Or ballet. There are many familiar elements, but they are combined in different ways. And there is joy in seeing them executed with such skill and elegance.

[@jeffkeith637]

@@glazdarklee1683 a very elegant way to put it. Thanks

[@wandapease-gi8yo]

Imagine being a teenager into adulthood having to see that painting of yourself hanging in the family parlor every time guests come. The cleaning and repair is Masterfully done. I hope the client loves it.

[@excession3076]

Imagine bringing your girlfriend home.😅 And people think having your Mum get out the family photo albums is embarrassing.

[@silva7493]

Lucky for her she died hundreds of years ago.

[@superlibbyanne]

I think it was a flex back then.

[@helmaschine1885]

?? Don't families usually have childhood photos around? People wouldn't necessarily know the baby is you.

[@peterselles590]

She is painted in heaven so that wont be much of a problem.

[@staciebooth7456]

I am always in awe every time Julian nails a color match. Bravo,

[@BlipBlopWoW]

I cannot for the love of me fall asleep watching ASMR, I used to be able to, but now this is all that works for me. I have watched all of his videos multiple times over for the past couple of years. I believe since 2021. My curiosity has led to my first time commenting. I can't help but wonder if I am the only one here who watches Julian when going to bed, as a form of sed ASMR.

[@anna9072]

Nope, he’s my preferred nighttime listening, too. I find his voice very relaxing. I used to listen to baroque music to go to sleep, and couldn’t sleep if there was a human voice, even just singing. Now I need a voice for background, and Julian’s voice is perfect, calm and soothing.

[@kathleen8584]

just watching his videos makes me sleepy i swear, so i put him on in the background as i facetime my bf every night. he’s gotten used to it lmao

[@tarahdactyl]

Same here! I rotate between this, NileRed, and How it’s Made to fall asleep to every night 😴

[@tzisorey]

There once was a man in Nantucket, Who painted his child and stuck-it For many a day, In a non-archival way, And needed the whole thing conserved to restore its glory. This is fine art, not a joke, Gerald.

[@tonymason6686]

Ahhhh one of the best before/after in a while!

[@cassie.m.0723]

I will never get tired of watching your work. The skill, care, and attention to detail is beautiful and fascinating

[@sandysela6642]

Every single time I’m amazed. The minute you start the paint touch ups, poof the tear disappears right before my eyes. You are so skilled, a true master craftsman.

[@tashabinfield1094]

Every time I watch your videos I get a range of emotions. At first when you apply your first layer of paint I grimace and think, what’s he done?!! That stands out so much! But then you go over it with a different shade and BANG! The damage has gone, you sir are a witch and what you do is witchcraft! Amazing

[@SepulvedaBoulevard]

As I sit at my easel and take up my brush, I give thanks that my canvas and paints are still fresh and new, and that any mistakes are still in the future. Watching you contend with chaos gives me such a joyful perspective!

[@irenedavo3768]

Wow!

[@irenedavo3768]

The repair is amazing!

[@whitemoonwolf13]

i'm always amazed by how well jullian can match the colour, to the point it's practically perfect. just blows me away every time. second best part of the video.

[@markc9852]

I marvel at JBs skill, knowledge, and exquisite narration. He makes something very complicated look easy, which of course, it is not; that is the subtle signature of a exceptionally talented maestro!

[@secondlittlefighter]

It's incredible how well grime and old varnish dulls and hides colour.

[@kimalimadingdong]

By far your best segue into Squarespace. 😂👏

[@normfredriksen1381]

This one was wonderful. You satisfied the customers needs and once again stripped the years from the canvas to reveal a jewel from time. Thank you. I enjoyed this restoration very much.

[@elainebutterworth8051]

I know of no other conservator who takes so much care! - huge respect...

[@margaretpeggymitchell3138]

Beautiful work, and as always the restoration and all the steps required for the repair and cleaning, were so completely explained. A pleasure to watch.

[@TheKayc136]

Seeing that Julian has a new video gives me the same little leap in my heart that I got when I saw my husband for the first time over thirty six years ago! The thrill of the unknown, the wonder, the magic, and then, of course, a happy ever after! All those things in one video! Thank you Julian for another fantastic restoration

[@colombepetite]

Did anyone else feel like this could be a painting of infant Kit? 😂 Adorable! So beautifully painted and expertly cleaned.

[@agingflowerchild]

Absolutely! The big eyes, very serious-minded but about to laugh, the hair, and trailing clouds of glory as she comes...gotta love her.

[@trozz7660]

When I look at this painting, i definetly see that the family that commisoned it saw their child as a gift from heaven. Whether it was done as a way of mourning or just celebrating the life of this child, you can tell it gave comfort and joy to the people who gazed on it. Those previously unseen clouds seem to give it deeper meaning. Imagine them seeing their child this way as if to say "Here I am, doing fine, patiently waiting for mom and dad to hold me again". Beautiful work of art. Beautiful restoration!

[@bettyniemann6244]

Wow!! The before & after cleaning is mind blowing 👍

[@tgh965]

Well done! It is always a pleasure to come along... Thank you for the extra effort to make that happen.

[@BeverlyM52]

As are thousands and thousands of others, I'm descended from the first Nantucket families: Macy's, Gardner's, Starbuck's, Coffin's, etc. So...this little boy is a relative...of mine AND of lots of others...LOTS!!! This was a BEAUTIFUL restoration...and extra fun in finding out who it was.

[@Tantejay]

To the painting itself: I don't think that the child was alive when painted. This is giving me the vibes of a loving parent who wanted a keepsake of his beloved child. At that time, children died so easily :( But the childs gaze glancing at eternity, already far away, the body almost gone in the clouds, only the face and torso sticking out, saying a last goodbye: That is a sad, but incredibly beautiful picture of the last loving memory of a beloved child.

[@oneshotme]

I'm sure your client is going to be very happy and surprised how well and bright it turned out to be!!! Excellent work as always!!! I very much enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@shanettequao9043]

The stamp is absolutely gold! But the whole painting is beautiful!

[@jeffkeith637]

ah, excellent. I too thought it would be a shame to lose that little bit of extra history.

[@GillDawe]

I cannot believe this painting was in storage. It is SO beautiful!

[@caodesignworks2407]

I've worked with frames for years, built thousands of them, handled thousands of prebuilt frames. But I've never seen a stretcher that was round. That's pretty great

[@KayInMaine]

Wow, the artist did an amazing job on this portrait! You did amazing bringing it back to the where it should be, Julian!

[@PeteMonaghan]

I just love watching the process. Thank you.

[@joeb4142]

Even after all this time watching Julian's videos the retouching still seems miraculous. It always makes me feel a little spooky when I look at a well done painting of a vibrantly alive sitter and then realize they've been dead over 100 years.

[@lynnedelacy2841]

It always fascinates me by the colours Julienne sees in a dark area to combine them to make the perfect re touching

[@belledobson2007]

such a innocently beautiful image. A master peace.

[@SandraNelson063]

Look at those beautiful colors! And those eyes!

[@barrythemailman]

Julian, someday I would like to shake your hand and sincerely thank you for making my day brighter. Your work is amazing and much appreciated. Barry

[@AvalonDreamz]

Yeaaay!! Start my morning with my favorite conservator !

[@jasoncetrone2881]

This might be one of your best retouching/ fixes

[@TravisFrontz]

You are a true craftsman! I really enjoy your videos.

[@Shooshoobella7]

What a sweet, beautiful portrait; you really brought it back to life. As someone else mentioned, I believe this was Thomas Macy's son who died when he was just a year old, hence the ethereal portrait. Interesting to note also, that R.H. Macy, who founded Macy's dept. stores, and William H. Macy, the actor, are both descendants of Thomas Macy.

[@dollfie774]

I think the painting is of a baby who passed, hes wearing a shimmering sheer cloth like youd see angels being depicted wearing, hes also in the sky. As we can see clouds all around him. What a sweet boy, to be loved so much, and be immortalized into paint

[@mircat28]

Considering the time period It’s pretty darn safe to say the kid died and be right.

[@jilldavies7094]

Oh, what a wonderfully satisfactory cleaning!

[@JamieBulloch1]

wow, such a talented and sensitive restoration, magnificent skill....

[@pigskinfanboy]

This painting just exploded with color and detail after the cleaning and varnish removal.

[@lainightwalker5495]

if it wasent because i saw u from start to finish id allmost not beleive it the same painting. man! that cleaning did wonders

[@panaceiasuberes6464]

7:48 That's truthful mastery of the conservation arts...

[@nuancedmusings-ronneefullerton]

Julian - love your humor in the ad. Why I watch your KZbin videos too 😂. The majestic music during the retouching really added to that segment. The result of your restoration is just endearing to see.

[@derchristianausffo]

1:31 - A whole new Level of Dad Joke Energy on this Channel. 😏😏😏🤣🤣🤣

[@TheKeystoneChannel]

Oh , I just watched the ASMR version, wished i started on this one , so i'll watch this one with the comments :) LOL, loved that segway to the squarespace ad 😂

[@nileswilson577]

It never ceases to amaze me, when you make those terrible tears just disappear😮 You said dirty, I say muddy. Really Nice Job mate. Your talent astounds me😂

[@ingridcarmak4268]

Indeed..a job well done ,…and I am smiling too..must be so much fun to make those cracks disappear..😊Greetings from Croatia 😃👋

[@xerodeus2337]

sometimes the cleaning process is so mind-blowing

[@ELWest1000]

What a sweet little face. 🥰I'm glad we can see it clearly.

[@glodilux]

Julian, I've watched just about all of your videos. This one is in my top five. Greetings from Luxembourg!

[@aucourant9998]

The original artwork was so beautiful and you've done it justice.

[@mauricepowers3804]

What a beautiful painting of a this precious child!! And you, sir, are a magician!!!!❤❤❤❤ thank you for the video

[@marielisateran1901]

Oh my goodness I actually laughed out loud at the squarespace dad joke 😂 and Julian's face was priceless

[@teresadungan6485]

Beautiful work. Love the painting too❤️👏🏻👍🏼🎉

[@gillianesquilant4091]

Exquisite and deeply satisfying. Beautiful painting and equally beautiful work.

[@GrandmaLoves2Scuba]

Beautiful restoration! The music was divine ❤❤❤

[@AllenHolland-rj3is]

You do such wonderful work such a master at your art. I love and enjoy you and your work. Love 💕 you in Michigan.

[@rachelmartinez9025]

cackled at the smooth transition into the sponsor! well done sir

[@beawriting]

I love that you were about to save the back. That would have been very important to me as well. Great job as always!

[@alisonyoung2592]

You are a magician Julian. What a stunning portrait and conservation ❤

[@haileydee9954]

At the start of the cleaning: wow that is pretty different. At the cleaning when they get to the child: DAMN!

[@shimesu443]

The kid in that painting has the look of one who'd rather be anywhere else. Wonder how much the adults had to bribe him to get him to sit for the portrait and how many sessions it took.

[@phoebebrown2883]

Especially in the off the shoulder lace top.

[@oltedders]

@@phoebebrown2883 The composition appears to have been copied directly from a photograph.

[@shimesu443]

@@phoebebrown2883 Eh, pretty standard for small children at that time.

[@rayinprague]

It might be a child that passed away. The cloud might mean heaven. A lot of paintings of children are memorial.

[@Illusionentochter]

I think this painting was for remembering a beloved child that passed away too young…

[@kitchenworker446]

When I was at school and saw the careers advisor...why did nobody tell me that a job like yours existed? I would have loved to have your job...or even a job as an assistant to the person who does your job. I never knew that restoration work of any kind even existed. I really wish that I HAD known...I'm too old now but it would have been my dream job...

[@joeb4142]

Never say never... You'd probably be a lot more patient now. 😊

[@bryanspindle4455]

I thought the same thing. I didn't go to art school but have always been interested in art and am an amateur artist myself among other things. I love restoring anything l can. Especially furniture. I would have loved to have had a career doing art restoration. I didn't realize there was so much involved.

[@kitchenworker446]

@@joeb4142 yes...but I am a pensioner and my eyesight is pretty poor now!!

[@junipinecone]

this was your best sponsor transition yet

[@PauloRezendeBordados]

This baby looks like they’re ready to go to the Four Seasons Orlando!

[@KIDPRODIGY69]

Best one Ive seen you guys do. Not bad, keep up the good work!

[@darilynkrupp6309]

Another win for Julian, the painting and the owner.

[@thammuz]

You really got me on the sponsor transition.

[@Descina]

I believe this painting is A Departed Child artist listed as An Amateur. It was sold by Williams, Stevens, Williams Oct 29, 1852 in New York.

[@Summergaze]

I’m so excited! I’ve been obsessed with your channel

[@carlo645]

magnificent work again, mister

[@nancythomas1830]

I would love to see the client’s reaction.

[@sargentcolon2323]

I just clicked like and it seems I am the 13,000th to do so! Love your videos. Keep up the fantastic work. Appreciation from the UK.

[@bI4b]

Браво Джулиан! Картина просто прелесть! Ох уж эти розовые щечки❤

[@lindaheath784]

I enjoy hearing about the hostory of the painting.

[@BuzzkillZone]

0:52 I'm surprised the Baumgartner logo is already attached. I'd figure he would wait until after the repairs were done.

[@iwm00]

I'm fairly certain that he puts a sticker on as soon as it comes into his shop as a way to keep track of inventory and who the painting belongs to. And then he puts on the final sticker that lists the treatments he used when he is finished.

[@MS-rs6od]

Was thinking about this channel last night and since I had subscribed a few years ago I had forgotten the name. So glad this video showed up :)

[@LizZard1988]

First time we see a non discoloured varnish

[@isabelleelysee5601]

Amazing work, as always! ❤

[@fuzzytale]

Gorgeous work as always, but man that baby has a seriously dead-eyed stare.

[@lekiscool]

I love how the child looks like he’s floating in a cloud.

[@clintonthomas6967]

Marvelous work

[@artheaded1]

I always relish the dramatic final wipe over the eyes! Does anyone know what the music is? That moved me more than the eye reveal!

[@lynnettetorres7338]

That cleaning 🤩🤩🤩

[@daviddawkins]

Now that was something else. Fantastic

[@lilacdew42]

What a stunning result!

[@burnningbridges]

That was awesome work!

[@roccofortura2468]

Once again I am amazed, thank you.

[@Engelhafen]

Fascinating - thanks for sharing

[@robertollier3085]

You strike me as being the conservator's conservator. I love your work. Who is the best conservator that you are aware of?

[@Judybosco]

I am related to the Macy's of Nantucket. Very cool!!

[@ayleene100]

Beautiful ❤

[@paulinemarvaso2555]

Stunning

[@susansmart8086]

Giggled with your segue into Squarespace.