The Family Comes Together

[@gl15col]

Imagine going from knowing nothing about even your grandparents, to finding a whole series of paintings of them! I'm glad he's writing it down, along with the portraits his family has a strong connection they were missing before. And what a handsome ancestor, those intense eyes...

[@BaumgartnerRestoration]

Pretty wild, huh!

[@DrMJJr]

So is he going to get ALL 70 paintings of his family back!?!

[@MsMuppet1985]

@@DrMJJrI hope they are not all in this condition!!!

[@regnbuetorsk]

@@MsMuppet1985 OR... it's all material for more videos! :D

[@DJVARAO]

@@DrMJJr I hope so

[@kiku_ki]

the owner's story was SO interesting to listen to! i hope he'll be able to collect all the portraits and restore the family history ♥

[@MrLuigge]

I would love to see a room like a museum with all his family art pieces laying there

[@kiku_ki]

@@MrLuigge yes! we need an update later for sure!

[@dcallan812]

That would be interesting but if this lady is selling them off one at time it could take a very, very long time. I hope he at least can visit the room with his ancestor's on canvas.

[@topo5721]

he should be on the other programs , Finding your roots, and Who do you think your are, as well. It will be very interesting.

[@TheMaestroso]

Might as well - not common to have relatives wealthy enough to have their portraits painted

[@JannekeKimstra]

You can tell that is a family piece, Esteban has a facial resemblance to the man in the painting.

[@Shadowcat31]

I noticed that too! He definitely looks like the man in the painting, such a fascinating story!

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

I noticed that too! Especially the eyes.

[@ritasemones9865]

His eyes and ear shape are the same. His story is wonderful.

[@OkiSmokey]

Which also shows how talented the original painter was! (And how beautiful and minimally different to the original the repairs work was!

[@serenity6415]

The painting's eyes captivate me. They have so much expression, but it's so subtle. I wish I could know how accurate my hunches are about the subjects. Knowing the history elevated this one so much.

[@azteclady]

I love the genuine emotion from Esteban, and how at times he seems to be struggling not to gush over the work.

[@maxnex7676]

He could not take his eyes of the spectacular restoration.

[@BaumgartnerRestoration]

Esteban is one of the best types of clients to work with; passionate, trusting, demanding and above all else sincere in his love for his artwork.

[@mr.grumpy]

I don't know... I found his reactions to be a bit underwhelming and restrained.

[@0cer0]

@@mr.grumpy If you have noble ancestors, you keep your composure.

[@mr.grumpy]

@@0cer0 😃

[@09conrado]

Heard this before, the uncanny way how portraits seem to find their way to the right person to preserve the family history. Beautiful restoration Julian

[@darlenegreenhalgh3126]

Beautiful job Julian

[@Babybearcroche]

The owner story is so interesting, often when i look at old portraits i feel disconnected to them almost like they're fictional characters but to know that this person was real and had a family that lives on to this day make it very special

[@SakeBomb23]

So true! I watched the aunts restoration video right before this and to know that piece of information now is such a treat! Thanks Julian! ❤

[@serendipity7041]

Making a Monday tolerable with a little Baumgartner TLC.

[@drag0nblight]

That is an underrated fact.

[@W4iteFlame]

What is TLC?

[@joeb4142]

-tolerable- exquisite

[@joeb4142]

@@W4iteFlameGoogle

[@drag0nblight]

@@W4iteFlame From what I know, it is either Tender Loving Care or Tomato, Lettuce and Cheese.

[@johnalveus]

The forehead repair at 30:51 literally had me on the edge of my seat 😅 .. What a time to be alive 🥰

[@SecretSurname]

Right, I was so skeptical like "Nah homie's forehead bout to be a fivehead after this." 😂 NOPE.

[@breakshot7451]

yep. the only thing, i think, that made these times better, is no selfy or tiktok madness. you had a mirror or when you are lucky and rich enough a portait of your self. don t think it s healthy for our brain to look at 500 pictures of our self every day.

[@angelmessenger8240]

Fabulous piece of work and it's so wonderful to have the story of the piece. Thank you to the client for allowing us to share his story.

[@BaumgartnerRestoration]

Esteban was a fantastic sport.

[@Ericaodd]

Interesting seeing a painting of a man from that era with earrings. I wouldn't have expected that!

[@williamfreyholtz4267]

As the client explained at the onset, the family member in the portrait had been a soldier in Napoleon III's Imperial Guard. (Grenadiers à Pied de la Garde Impériale.) It was the custom and tradition, starting back with the Imperial Guard under Napoleon I, that the soldiers had pierced ears and earrings. It was Not the "fashion" at the time for Frenchman to wear earrings.

[@Alex-vr8gw]

Pirates

[@MiaTTSualen]

I remember a portrait of a high ranking military man from XVIIIe century France with earings too, so it might have not been THAT unusual (If I remember well, it was Quentin de la Tour - Portrait du Marechal de Saxe)

[@lexiwexiwoo]

It was mostly a military thing if I remember correctly. They were used as identifying markers of status, power and stuff like that. Bonus fact: The reason pirates had earrings is because they werw often former Navy soldiers. They kept them for the same reasons but also to be a sort of death insurance. Dying in a random place, the earrings could be ensuring their body was identified, and their debts were paid.

[@918273645o546372819]

Once again, proof that people (myself included) will listen to people talk about anything so long as there is passion. This was amazing to watch.

[@MisterAfterlife1]

To see the woman 39:12 come back from a previous video was such a cherry on top. Bravo on the projects!

[@KristenK78]

OMG. I gasped just reading this. I’m only at the hot table now.

[@CorwynCelesil]

I was so happy you included so much of the client's story in this. It gave such background and foundation to the importance of the picture. Also the plot twist at the end with the crossover to a previous storyline was delightful.

[@mwater_moon2865]

Oh yes! knowing a bit more of the story of the French woman from the "Hole Nine Yards" vid adds more interest to that video, it's not some random painting looted and held on to just because it's old, it's a family member.

[@joansmit5782]

So nice that Esteban researched and landed on Julian. Because I am an artist, I’ve watched many others from independents to museums and I would only go to Julian if I had a treasure like this.

[@magdamundt9483]

I can only imagine how your client felt when he saw how carefully you handled the portraits that were so precious to him. Because I, a complete stranger, was moved.

[@Keiru]

I love the owner's enthusiasm and initiative in finding and documenting his heritage. It is such an underappreciated privilege to be able to trace one's lineage. His passion for history and culture really shines. From determining the meaning of small features such as the earrings and moustache within the painting, to the excitement that comes through as he speaks. He honestly kept me captivated. I was almost sad when the painting conservation started! (I watch these religiously, I could never be tired of Julian).

[@tattii4u]

As a fellow Cuban I can fell empathy for this person. 1959 was a major catalyst for family separation and the subsequent years in the 1960s, specifically with operation Peter Pan were thousands of children were sent to USA with the pretense that their parents would join them later. So much family history has been lost. I have also taken upon myself to look into my family’s history and even though there id very little information to get from Cuba because they dont share anything, I have been able to find distant relatives. I would love to find paintings

[@alohamilkyway]

I gasped when you brought out Madam Lace. The details on both paintings are fabulous -- the flowers on her head, the lace shawl and the dress that peeks through, the print on his shirt, the wrinkles on his eyes, his expression... You brought them to life. Bravo, Julian! (And Esteban!)

[@katy5298]

I like how the dealer was like "this one has been put through a blender. So anyway, I'm parting with it for money", like, the audacity.

[@steve_weinrich]

I think the original artist did a spectacular job, a really exceptional painting. This was matched by Julian's outright wizardry. Thanks for the video.

[@maps_x]

Does anyone else love watching the interleaf process? I can't relax until that interleaf is on.

[@poislock]

First: All your videos are awesome. But every now and then your videos are truly special. Like this one with the customer, the backstory and this incredible portrait. I don't know what exactly it is but sometimes portraits hit different. Like this guy. He seems so familiar I could swear that I know him. Excellent work, from you and the artist.

[@BaumgartnerRestoration]

Glad you like them!

[@vanmartin9665]

As a 73 year old professional artist, everything about the art world interest me, including conservation and restoration. And Julian, you are the man when it comes to conservation. WOW! This is probably the most amazing transformation yet for a before and after project. Great background story and the artist did a excellent job as well. Nicely done. I look forward to every video you make Mr. Baumgartner.

[@badarock177]

This is so amazing! I’m so happy for the owner and his family! And for you, for bringing back this piece of his family History. The world needs this kind of work ❤

[@Joe___R]

With cameras being so common, painted portraits that look so real have really fallen to the wayside. But there is something special with old paintings done so skillfully. It looks almost more real than most photos do. It is basically a lost art now.

[@katjathefranknfurter2374]

This portrait is such a piece of art. He looks like he is going to step out of the picture any second. Thank you for restoring his interesting story.

[@serenity6415]

"Well, at least you still have one nostril." I did not expect to utter that sentence when I woke up this morning. I love these moments. The client's story added a whole new world to this restoration. Please, please ask more clients to share any kind of story. His eyes have so much character and individuality. The hands are the most realistic ones I've seen painted, I think. Aren't they notoriously difficult to render well? There's just so much about this video. It's one of your best. It's been a day, and I needed a .... this.

[@damdamfino]

Imagine getting to see a portrait of your great great great great relative that has such detail that you can learn they had a mole on their face. And a detail that was almost lost forever due to overpainting!! Another example of how restoration can be so vitally important and special.

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

I love this documentary style with the client interaction and their reaction to the finished restorations!

[@deniereynolds6119]

Your talent Julian is genius. What a gift you’ve been given. Bringing art back to life but breathing the subjects back to life for their families. What a God given talent. Bravo 👏🏻 ❤

[@leeuwevdh]

Always great to hear the story from the owner!

[@maps_x]

And the reaction!

[@gilokdc]

In this case avoid to hear the story, prolly because his ancestors, the rich land owner employed slave workers in theyr plantations ans got theyr stuff rightfully taken away when the revolution came, classic gusano...

[@lenajesse]

​@@gilokdc Story having an element of uncomfortable in it, is not really a good enough reason to avoid hearing it. Knowing genealogy and how connected we are (at least us europeans and those with european ancestry)...we'd be avoiding a huge chunck of history because someone's direct ancestor or 30th cousin 10 times removed did something bad to other people...or was a slave owner. What do you mean by "classic gusano"?

[@BaumgartnerRestoration]

​@@gilokdc Woof, that's a lot of projection from a few minutes of back story. Let's not make unfounded accusations...

[@jackieheidorn5875]

Wishing him continued success tracing his family history.

[@zuzuspetals38]

Great story! Imagine finding portraits of your ancestors…, and then being able to have Juliana’s the restorer🤯 I love the cleaning, removing of old varnish and then the retouching. How talented you are⭐️

[@madaian369]

Oh, the reds and the *blues*! I would've never guessed that the painting had so much depth in it. And many thanks to Esteban for sharing his family's story, how incredible that he's been able to find out so much compared to what he knew before!

[@TeresaR.Jorgensen-n6o]

Min' 35:10 gave me so much joy when Esteban returned to the gallery! I waited to see how happy he was to see the finished painting! 🤩💗👏👏👏 He's adorable and very classy, and the way he puts so much effort into keeping together all the lost pieces of his family is heart-melting! 💗💗💗 I wish I knew my mom's background or at least why so much is concealed. 😓

[@PINTandDALE]

Brilliant work! I have to say -- your skills as a documentary filmmaker are approaching your mastery at restoration. Beautifully filmed and edited, totally engaging -- the time just sweeps by. Thank you!

[@KevinBrown-ne3sx]

Extraordinary work, Julian. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@romanglinnik8073]

Currently sitting in a library studying archeometry as part of my conservation science curriculum. This video came in just in time^^.

[@karentexas]

What an interesting study. What do you want to do with the knowledge you get? Egypt, caves, American finds? Sounds cool.

[@gbegerow]

Having the background story over the counts live and Estebans search for his ancestors are realy raiseing this to another level.

[@trudilawrence9899]

The painting is 1866 , the man though is so modern looking. It just shows how trends ,fashion comes back around. Brilliantly restored Julian 😊

[@srtalautrec]

I LOVE so match that you decide to make videos with clients, i adore to see their reactions (and knowing about the stories of the paintings and their stories is an amazing gift!) THANK YOU

[@Roger44477]

I'm always a little confused by choices like at 30:48 when you painted over what seems to be some finer detail, maybe a silver inlay, with just a solid layer of yellow. Especially after having taken such care to work around it.

[@katip8554]

right?

[@delorean_37]

I thought the same. A bit odd.

[@freakashit23]

Yes! I noticed that too. Not only the piece of canvas was a little bit missaligned. It had to be moved slightly to the right and all brush lines would have alligned perfectly. But also he painted over what seemed like a small jewel in the center.

[@hobocop99]

It was the white stuff he used to fill in the gabs, get some glasses

[@delorean_37]

​@@hobocop99maybe you get some glasses mate. We are talking about the paint on the right side of the fill in material.

[@TheNotoriousNemo]

I am an artist, and my favorite style of paintings are these. Just something about the colors and period piece I really like.

[@kathleenclark5877]

This is nothing short of miraculous! I know that others who are watching appreciate having the customer there at the beginning and then their reaction to the completed restoration. Fabulous!

[@LB-io4tn]

I loved hearing about the history and family legacy! What a wonderful gift to give to your family and future generations

[@drjekyllmshyde]

I can definitely see the family resemblance in the eyes!

[@vegassims7]

It looks like the painting was JUST done. Julian is a master conservator.

[@sheilacasper2030]

Bravo to the owner! It is so wonderful that he took it upon himself to talk to his grandmother and use that info to research his family. And finding these paintings! Wow wow wow.

[@terryolsson4145]

I just love watching you restore these fabulous painting. You bring them back to life. Thank you for this amazing channel.

[@kaocazbaubo]

This portrait is astounding, especially regarding the man's eyes. There is no ego of "style" evident. At first glance, this could pass for a photograph. Thank you, Julian, for rescuing it.

[@joeb4142]

5:38 My freaking heart 😳 When the perfect client meets one of the best fine art restorers in the world, history is made. Preserved.

[@mm-qd1ho]

I've seen what seems like a hundred videos from this channel, and found myself smiling throughout this one, from start to finish. It's like viewing a magic trick where we know how it's done, but we still want to see it again and again.

[@averyelytle]

I never cease to be amazed by Julian. His work is just incredible.

[@SKS06460]

I just want to Thank You for your unwitting help. I just bought a house which has a textured ceiling. In the past, the ceiling was poorly repaired so there were large areas where the texture was missing. The poor repair immediately caught your eye, spoiling the look of the ceiling. I think the texture would be called impasto. After watching your videos, I was able to match the texture of my ceiling well enough that the faulty area doesn't grab your eye anymore. Thanks.

[@wangyun6087]

This comment made me laugh so hard😂😂😂 Very smart! Congratulations on fixing your ceiling!

[@Gretchen-vh9xt]

I think I see a family resemblance. How fun for him. Love that this painting is being saved.

[@scottcates]

I hadn't seen overpainting removed before this video and that was very interesting. As Esteban went through his descriptions of locating his family's paintings, it occurred to me that while Julian is preserving the painting of the man, Esteban is preserving his family for generations to come. Edit: It was a real treat to hear this sentiment echoed by Julian and Esteban towards the end of the video.

[@TheEmotionoverload]

You really are a master of yiyr craft. It's so amazing to watch how you think and see the care that goes into every project

[@TheEmotionoverload]

Your. I hate phones 😅

[@vikimoody8783]

Standing ovation, Julian! Superb workmanship! What a gift of a lifetime to this family to have this restored -- by a Master.

[@CMch22]

I’m always impressed with the retouching. This one had some challenging areas and the finished product looks seamless.

[@phyllisstrider2998]

I never doubted you Julian. It looks wonderful. I enjoyed his family history. He is lucky he found these.❤❤

[@grahamcrawford4773]

I always appreiciate the clients who agree to talk - especially when they are articulate.

[@jonhillery7736]

This family had aristocracy fleeing multiple revolutions 😂

[@CarolynMcPherson-r3z]

What a wonderful thing you are doing, Señor. All of us will benefit from your wonderful work--all of us need to hear the stories your pictures tell. Best to you, and to you Justin, for being a conservator of this beautiful depiction from history.

[@lynnedelacy2841]

I hope he goes for the full 70! What a fantastic addition to his family history this video makes

[@NUTTER8291]

TRULY AMAZING WORK ! And a FASCINATING story !!

[@sarahleonard7309]

I'm sure every detail in the portrait was quite meaningful to the sitter. It is so important to our understanding of the man to see all of the items he chose to include to represent himself. Beautiful job, as always, Julian!

[@amyloueliza]

An absolutely fantastic piece. I can feel your pleasure. X

[@artallmon3773]

I am in awe of the master skill you have. What a beautiful job restoring this painting.

[@zuke-ci4vd]

When I first saw the painting, I didn't realize he was sitting in a chair! I saw that red behind him, but just thought it was maybe wallpaper. Magnificent job!

[@ddazuulada]

I just want to say I really appreciate Julien's fashion choices

[@barbarastoutjesdyk711]

I love watching your process. Having the back story on this particular painting is especially nice! I'm always curious about the owners and how they acquired these pieces.

[@thetaylorcooper5588]

My favorite pastime is watching your channel

[@Rachel-p5h]

This one brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful, sensitive and respectful restoration it is, as masterful as the artist who painted it. Congratulations!!

[@seismikman21]

I never tire of watching you work, bringing pictures back from the abyss, truly wonderful

[@HaggisVitae]

Absolutely spellbinding. I’m a painter and have always dreamed of going into art restoration. Even did an internship at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in their conservation lab. Ended up loving microscopy so much I went in to cytology (looking at human cells in a pathology lab). Thanks for allowing us to restore vicariously through your videos. Just amazing.

[@katydidiy]

Julian, your retouching is so masterful ❤

[@momszycat4148]

The man in the portrait is so very attractive and Julian's eye for color is impressive. The artist's rendition of the hands is just so beautiful. 💙 I love it.

[@Sdr4813]

You are an artist with the retouching. It is magical to see the damage just disappear under your brush. ❤

[@miro_juric]

Amazing story and OUTSTANDING work Julian! Impressive indeed what can be done and saved!

[@barbarahale-richlen5687]

I am blown away by how masterfully Julian put this painting back together. A masterpiece! And how wonderful for this young man to be doing all this research to learn more about his family tree. It actually brought tears to my eyes to see the final picture revealed.

[@pigeonlizard]

Too excited to see the face to save it to last like you sometimes do!

[@sm5728]

Esteban! My husband's family has a very similar story to yours as well! My father-in-law came to Miami as a young child with his parents shortly before Castro's takeover. His mother had to give a port authority (if I remember correctly) all of her jewelry, including her wedding rings, in order to stay. My ears perked up when you spoke of the individual in Paris, bc my father-in-law's maternal Aunt lived in Paris for many many years as well and she was a bit of an art collector herself. What a tremendously small world.

[@EvoLeil]

This complex and delicate dance of art and science is beyond impressive. He moves so gracefully. And the fact that this portrait was basically turning to dust and he made it look like it was painted last week....just unbelievable... truly.

[@charlotteillustration5778]

Incredible - I am always amazed at the depth of your patience, perseverance and perfectionism, but this one was truly extraordinary, all those tiny pieces. I especially love watching the retouching, seeing how colours start to seamlessly blend into the whole. Thank you for posting!

[@chantillyviolin]

I really love watching the retouching part. I think it's not going to blend, it's not going to disappear.....and then at last......it disappears and suddenly the face is whole!!! Amazing work!!

[@fugithegreat]

Retouching on something this damaged is always so satisfying! You can see a bit of the family resemblance in the portrait.

[@geometrygamercompte6012]

C’est toujours un plaisir de vous regardez travailler

[@fromgillianwithlove]

being this early feels like waking up to catch santa leaving your gift under the tree 😔🙏🏼 so excited for this

[@karentexas]

That is so true. Every painting Julian does is like opening a gift when he is finished working his magic. ❤❤❤

[@jugheadjones5458]

Estaban’s story was very interesting and the paintings are icing on the cake. I hope we get to see more of his family portraits. Very nice restoration work. Beautiful painting. I noticed the detail the artist put into the hands such as veins and bones. I even looked at my hands and the vein tracks are the same. Incredible artistry.

[@BaumgartnerRestoration]

If you've been watching for. awhile you've already seen at least two other of his ancestors featured here... wanna guess who? ;)

[@jugheadjones5458]

@ I’m sure I saw them but didn’t make the connection. And, no, I have no idea. 🤣

[@benitaletnes7987]

@@BaumgartnerRestorationno idea either. I’ve watched, I think, all your videos! What was the white object the man was holding in his hand?

[@rowejon]

@@BaumgartnerRestoration The Lady of the Manor?

[@bobblelooble3530]

I think this is my favourite episode so far. I love doing my family history, though mine is far more humble: I was thrilled to find a woodcut illustration of the cobbler’s shop my family ran, with his wife-to-be’s family bootmaker’s shop right next door! What joy to be able to find a whole cache of faces, no doubt with stories attached that were actually written down as they were of some importance. The level of restoration rivals some of your most challenging projects and was a joy to watch. The reveal of the new nose was fascinating. Thank you, Julian, for sharing all this with us. And thanks to the owner for allowing us the opportunity to watch it!I wish him well on his research journey.

[@aureadiaz8450]

Oh Julian, you're really amazing. There are no words that can described my feelings when I see how you work and put together a painting. You're are the best.

[@karentexas]

Julian this by far was a wonderful story. The gentleman doing the genealogy for his family should be very proud. I am glad he has relatives that still have the family information. Finding the portraits of those family members is extraordinary! You did a fabulous job of rebuilding that painting. And yes the first thing I saw was a pair of earrings on a portrait of a man painted in 1866. Remarkable! Thank you to the gentleman that shared his family story and portraits. I hope he has other painting for you to take great of.

[@bluewateritineratetravel]

Oh this one was wonderful . I have a big smile learning how conservation can bring many generations of a family so much happiness ❤️❤️

[@atokea77777]

Julian, i think you are the therapist of the painting and you take care all of us !

[@bmac8749]

That was an incredible transformation! And fun hearing the customer's back story. Thanks for sharing

[@SKY031]

I don't know why, but I was shocked when the pin was painted gold. For some reason, I envisioned a gemstone in the pin. My brain could actually "see" something which wasn't there. 😮 -Also, love the client reaction videos!

[@annnasophia11]

Me too!!!

[@danielscholdei8355]

the reconstruction of the painting is alway intresting but at least pure craftmenship ... learn it and you can do it ... but that retouching you do .. that ist pure art .. I'm always so impressed by that ... Thanks for sharing

[@animosity6784]

During the painting part of the art piece I was filing documents and watching, I looked back up and again and quite literally couldn't tell where you fixed a piece! You have an amazing talent, wow.

[@Figueiredoartconservation]

This project truly impressed me in a very positive way. Steban's intention to bring the family together is very special, and the restoration work you did on such a fragile painting is fantastic. Congratulations!

[@mariafernandamartel9767]

Julian, this work was incredible, I’m your biggest fan. I’m so grateful for your videos! Among all my subscriptions, yours is by far the channel I enjoy the most, the videos I look forward to the most, and the ones I replay the most. Please keep making them. They even move me.”

[@KatrinaRoseT]

36.42 The before and after of the nose is a clear and obvious example of your talent. This is absolutely amazing. Love your channel!