From Ruff to Refined Part 1

[@juliemcleod1119]

You spoil us, i was watching a guy doing a painting in a "master class restoration" on KZbin, when he got superglue out to repair a patch, then a gallon size tub of White Spirit, I screamed NOOOOOO. so loud my daughter came rushing in to see if i was ok!! ..So i wont stray again. Your way, i never feel scared for the painting..

[@032319581]

I agree! I can't watch any other restorationers

[@frankdriesen9419]

I saw that too. Nearly had a nervous breakdown.

[@cjtramm8]

Was he the guy that used wax to adhere the lining canvas to the paint and used scotched tape to hold thing down. I was horrified

[@SearTrip]

At some point in the future, the then equivalent of Baumgartner will be showing people what it takes to undo the ‘restoration’ you watched.

[@joantinsley9741]

Hold my beer - I saw a man clean an oil painting using only his spit!

[@drskelebone]

I love how Julian's tools range from "custom designed vacuum table with heating" and "custom designed clamping rig" and "multi-spectrum lamps" to "this is just some drywall and a few cinder blocks." XD

[@HalbdaemonKite]

Well, if it works, it works. XD

[@fionafiona1146]

No need to overcomplicate time tested methods

[@KingOfGaymes]

“If it looks stupid but works, then it ain’t stupid” xD

[@caodesignworks2407]

The table isn't exactly that custom. We had a VHT at my old job. They are incredibly expensive though

[@HalbdaemonKite]

@@caodesignworks2407 He has two. The big one is DIY. Iirc he has a building video on the channel.

[@gracefoskett9563]

I just wrote a paper about the embroidery of the Elizabethan era, and learned that women's portraits could cost as much as 10 times as much as mens because of the intricacy of their clothing, which painters were expected to faithfully recreate. So it's not impossible that an artist would have had the skill to... improve the clothing of the sitter.

[@lazygardens]

And perhaps had "studio props" for sitters to wear.

[@SwayTree]

@@lazygardens It is very unlikely. A that time jewelry and clothing (or anything really) were hand-made. The access to materials like gem stones and gold were limited and good fakes weren't a thing. There were no artificially grown gem stones or gold coated jewelry. Even if you wanted to use different metal you would need a craftsman capable of doing it so amount of work would be similar if not higher as other metals are harder than gold. That wouldn't make sense. If you have great materials you go to a great expert and vice versa. So nice, pretty things were EXPENSIVE. These were passed through generations of women and taken care of so they would last decades if not centuries. That's why you can still see 18h century gowns in museums and no last season H&M collection anywhere. Props would be worn constantly by different people, put on and off which would lead to quick deterioration of the objects. It's not the mindset they had then. Things weren't meant to be temporary.also imagine having a portrait with something which is not yours. Her friend would have a great laugh for decades after that.

[@fionafiona1146]

Awesome information, I started practicing tatting and bobbin lace and that increased my appreciation as well

[@Stettafire]

As a person who knows a thing or two about textiles. No artist of that time period would have had access to fine lace that wouldn't have gone recognised in a painting as poor or inadequate. Lace was (and still kinda is) super labour intensive. Imagine how long it takes to hand knit a jumper, quadruple it.

[@sweetiedahling8137]

I love hand-embroidery (I do it every day - am stitching as I'm watching this). Is there any way we can read your paper? It sounds really interesting!

[@shanettequao9043]

It’s a shame that this painting is unsigned, whoever they were, they were insanely talented, look at all the pearls and the gold? Just gorgeous

[@londonhodnet4079]

I think it has been cut down, thus losing signature, also Elizabethan painters included coats of arms or other clues in background

[@mii747]

@@londonhodnet4079I agree

[@MarjorieMcLachlan]

I am not a religious person, but in a world, that on an hourly basis, seems to be trying rip itself apart there is something about your videos that is life affirming. I think you offer up your skill,, focus and your artistic ability in a manner that is so reverent its almost like a prayer or meditation. Watching your content always puts me in a better place. Thank you for what you do.

[@2Sugarbears]

I am not religious and I agree.

[@stvp68]

It’s the best kind of humanism: a celebration of our human ability to create beauty and order in a world of chaos.

[@gailhenneke1410]

And. .. his voice is so comforting and smooth ...that in itself takes you to a calm place ! ❤

[@mcjohn5420]

This comment has been made repeatedly, but a Baumgartner Restoration channel fan will never use the expression "As boring as watching paint dry." I have been holding my breath through significant portions of this video. Every time I think I've seen the ultimate project, Julian finds a new way to astonish. How rich we are to be able to tag along!

[@hwanwoongs]

It’s a shame this artist wasn’t well known, their work is gorgeous.

[@georgflausch]

I imagine that the sitter's means gave her two options: Either a small portrait by an excellent artist or a full portrait by a second-rate artist. And I think she made the right decision.

[@carlotta4th]

They probably were well known (artists back then only ever worked for rich people) but since it's unsigned it's so much harder for us to tell who it is hundreds of years later. That's why provenance is so important in the art world, gallery stickers and wills state prove not only how old a piece goes back but also sometimes include the artist and title.

[@majo.810]

Couldn't it be that it was a full portrait but it got cut down in size at some point in time? Would also explain the missing author signature..@@georgflausch

[@justjane2070]

If I ruled the world: every artist must sign his work AND write the name, age and birthdate of the sitter 😂

[@georgflausch]

I wouldn't be surprised. However, it would probably take an expert to determine that. In such cases, there can be certain clues that point to a later cropping. For example, if the overall composition of the portrait or the posture of the sitter would make more sense if the painting had originally been bigger. Later changes in size tend to disturb the overall balance of an image. But I will gladly leave these complicated questions to the specialists. @@majo.810

[@sharicross547]

When you ran the cleaning solution over the pearls, they just popped out and came to life. What a beautiful rendering of this lovely ladies apparel.

[@macdieter23558]

It looked like a light went on in them!

[@lordarathres]

The color change from the varnish is WOW.

[@QwertiusMaximus]

Seeing "Part 1" Me: "Yay there will be more!" Also me: "Oh no now I have to wait for Part 2!"

[@TheMightyPika]

The elation and the struggle

[@Twiddle_things]

[@BenvanBroekhuijsen]

And who knows... also Part 3! 😀

[@azteclady]

super relatable!

[@ShadyScienceFeline]

This is why I wait for part 2 to appear before watching part 1.

[@georgehummel621]

I was fortunate to see this painting in person when I dropped off one to be restored. Sitting on the table it was along with others awaiting it's rebirth and I have to say it was stunning just as it was. The beautiful lace work, the details of the jewerly. Can't wait to see the finished product. Going to look stunning it will. George

[@TheMightyPika]

I love how our boi roasts the shit out of previous restoration attempts.

[@MikePhilbin1966]

The narrator CLEARLY cares about both his job and the subject of his job. A treat to all who watch these videos.

[@Excitable67]

WOW!!! Whoever painted that portrait was amazing!! As you cleaned away the old, discolored, grimy varnish, I was blown away at the realistic, almost 3D nature of the detail in that dress and jewelry! This one is going to be STUNNING when it's completed! I can't wait to see the rest!!

[@azteclady]

The change in the PEARLS, holy cow, that's amazing, just amazing. I can't wait to see what her ruff looks like once cleaned.

[@mustment111]

The best part about my week is the Baumgartner Restoration upload.. Worst part of my week is the Baumgartner upload with a "PART 1"... I have no patience

[@elliepascoe5954]

I really hate cliffhangers!😅

[@kathyjohnson2043]

Oooh, that portrait with violin that was to your side in the one shot is lovely! The violin has been wonderfully painted.ved your choice of music at thd end and, getting back to the painting, I actually thought the dress was gold.

[@Decrepit_Productions]

The painted violinist caught my eye too.

[@NobleKos]

@@Decrepit_Productions me too, but thats because it looks like my sister who also plays violin. i screen shot it and sent it to her looking for her opinion on it.

[@sadierichardson6060]

Came to the comments to see if anyone else had noticed the painting as well

[@marthaanderson2656]

the minute I saw the painting I knew this was going to be an epic transformation. What a magnificent subject. the old restoration is shocking ( that fill!) and I am sure she will be welcomed back to her home with great fanfare.

[@86fifty]

Oh, this is so cool! The fashion history lesson at the beginning, the many examples of Elizabeth's portraits, with dates and details on them - that's an extra level of behind-the-scenes work that really helps EDUCATE the audience, me included! I love seeing historical fashion detective work, partly cuz it's so rare. I always feel like I learn something from these videos, thank you for uploading them! I can only imagine how much extra work it takes to do the video recording and editing, in addition to the detailed work of actual restoration, and it is very much appreciated!

[@nancymills1884]

I’m always amazed at how much paintings change after cleaning. But this one was so gorgeous I was speechless with how delicate and intricate the lace was, the beauty of the pearls… how does one look at this work and not gasp?

[@theresadutcher4750]

maybe I just had a rough day at work but I did cry a little bit when you cleaned that dress. You work with such beautiful things!

[@vezokpiraka]

Not only are the videos exquisite, but I assume they are a great resource for restorers all over the world. Your work always seems incredibly high quality and you're always doing insanely complicated restorations. Not only are you helping the paintings that come in your studio, but you're also helping paintings all over the world be better restored.

[@Soldier4USA2005]

Your videos are so well made and very soothing, while also being extremely entertaining and excitement. You may be repeating steps I've heard and see you do 6893467 times, but it never gets boring as you're describing what you're doing and why with every painting you work on. Thank you so much for your hard work to conserve so much of our history and for sharing it all.

[@Cricket.Dawson]

Hi Julian, I used your trace and trim technique to patch the cover of J’s much loved copy of “How to train your Dragon”. It was a success, and after a clear plastic film was applied, seamless. Thanks for the tips! - C

[@lorna5609]

Julian, my friend, as I watched this installment, I realized I was a witness to two masterpieces: one you were restoring and the one, your video, that you were creating. Thank you for sharing your talent, knowledge,and skills with those of us who know nothing of fine art and would otherwise never experience its transformative power.

[@DapurMamaNini]

Yeaayy!! After few weeks!! New video is here 💕💕💕💕

[@RogierYou]

It takes many weeks to create one…

[@DapurMamaNini]

@@RogierYou yes i know and i get really excited every time he uploads a new video

[@cs3742]

THANKS, THANKS, THANKS for the art history! This was a GREAT narration with supporting pictures!

[@rebeccablack3011]

Julian Baumgartner is pure genius. I will never stray.. Masters of Craft is the channel nightmares are made of. I would pay them to watch a Baumgartner video.

[@meeseification]

KZbin seemed to think that I wanted to watch that channel. Nope. They were wrong.

[@caittails]

I agree, but all the people whining in their comments that Julian does a better job is really embarrassing and makes us all look like assholes. I feel bad for Julian having his name associated with those people.

[@rebeccablack3011]

True. I felt bad reading all the comments from Baumgartner fans on their videos, I've never commented on the Masters of Craft videos for that exact reason, however, it may be for the best.. maybe they will watch Julian one or two times and get new ideas about more safely preserving paintings. I really do wish all of them would at least try to better their techniques and do some research about how other conservators work on paintings..

[@CorwynGC]

That lace is amazing, can't wait to see it in its full glory. p.s. I hope we get to see more of the violinist as well.

[@tracyroweauthor]

I was thinking that when I saw the portrait of the violinist as well

[@RoseSharon7777]

I just discovered a new use of the term "analog" that I had not thought of before. I'll be adding it to my use of English this very day! This channel teaches more than just art restoration! 😊😊😊

[@maxmurgia642]

The end with the classical music, while your'e cleaning the jewels ,pearls and the stunning embroidery coming alive ,it's pure bliss !

[@shizukaakatatsu22]

Oh wow. At the start I was like "Nah that's not half as bad as some of the other paintings you showed us recently." I love to be proven wrong sometimes. I thought that that robe would be some kind of creamy color, but nope. Shining brilliant white. The pearl necklace had a very pearly sheen, but nope. Those pearls actually glow like little stars. I love those little surprises and I can't wait for the rest of the painting to be revealed!

[@lazygardens]

I was predicting a pale yellow with gold embroidery for the sleeves, not white satin.

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

WWWOOOOWWWWWW!!!!! I so thought the painting was great with all the aged/dirty varnish. Once he started cleaning it, I was/am floored at the insane difference. Before cleaning it, I would have sworn the background of the embroidered textile was gold! Again, wow!!!

[@Jean2235177]

I’m excited to see part 2. Just the cleaning alone revealed a whole new look. Such beautifully detailed lace, brocades, and jewels… wow… just wow!

[@nilsp9426]

The varnish removal always reminds me of correcting wrong white balance in photographs - especially colour temperature. Not only does it enable us to identify the true colors of the image, it also intensely changes the emotion the painting - or picture - elicits in the viewer.

[@Vickie-Bligh]

I cannot wait to see the ruff and her face revealed in their true colors & glory. Thanks, Julian, for your teaching as well as your care of this gorgeous piece of work.

[@jeffwolinski2659]

One of your more dramatic cleaning results, very nice!

[@SvetaSnofrid]

What a beautiful piece of art! And the cleaning process was such a pleasure to watch. Bravo!

[@maryalicefrazier2817]

I always live watching the paintings get cleaned and if needed retouched. Watching the painting come back to life under a careful hand is mesmerizing.

[@philomenahearn1717]

I love that the artist painted the jewellery even with its missing stone.

[@kathyrao4890]

Wow, Julian, the amount you have taught us never ceases to amaze me. I actually heard myself gasp when the paint "fill in" was removed!

[@breathecenteraccept120]

What an incredible change. I felt like I saw the jewelry and the fabric of her gown right in front of me. Thank you so much for the choice of the music when removing the varnish. I felt like being there, feeling the epoche she lived in. Never experienced something like that before! Thank you!

[@TrishSotto]

9:57 “Sometimes, mediocre work is actually easier to remove.” So simple, straightforward, and profound. I FELT THAT

[@nuancedmusings-ronneefullerton]

Julian thank you for giving us historical context for the symbolism for the subject of this painting. Your artistry and skill in presenting your work in eloquent word choice, along with your assured, calm and clear voice is endearing as always.

[@Sevetamryn]

Scraping is such a valuable skill, not only in art conservation ... so many things you can do ...

[@Brighid45]

When the first swab revealed the true color of the gown it was literally a breath-taking moment. Incredible talent on the part of the artist, and also the meticulous, intelligent work of the restorer. Can't wait for part 2 :)

[@kyalavender-williams9285]

I love how no matter what life throws, whenever I see a video of yours, I always seem to feel better. It is like self care. Love your videos always. The art is beautiful such a shame the artist wasn't more well known.

[@icychill105]

all of these paintings look so warm and lovely with the old varnish on top only to reveal how cold and white they truly are underneath.

[@crystald3655]

The varnish discolors the whole painting and makes it look wrong. Skin should NOT be that color of yellow unless someone is deathly ill and in organ failure.

[@angelique_cs]

I have a strong interest of study in Elizabethan history so this painting is right up my alley. I think I'd faint if I saw it in person. Of course, it's possible that the fainting would be due to a serious lack of nutrition and hydration in my life, but that's beside the point. Edit: my favorite tiny vacuum is back!

[@ELWest1000]

It's a testament to the skill of the artist that when you removed the varnish from the dress, the jewels and embroidery began to sparkle and gleam as though they were real.

[@kevinwilliamc5244]

You're teasing us with the painting of the girl and violin. We need to see that in the future!

[@saintracheljarodm.holy-kay2560]

Already such a difference, have a good week and count your blessings amen.

[@26beegee]

As you cleaned her gown I felt as though I would have felt the texture of the fabric had I touched it. Being an interior designer and seamstress I love fabrics. Easy to see the very high quality of that fabric after cleaning which had been completely lost from view. Can’t wait to see the completed restoration. Thank you for giving us something to look forward to!

[@jomercer21113]

So satisfying when you chonked off that grey glob of fill. Wonderful restoration once again!

[@Bluth53]

Truly appreciate the art history lesson about the depiction compared to many previous videos of yours. If time allows, please, treat us more with such wonderful insights. Thank you in advance

[@dolphin64575]

Oh I can't wait to see the reveal of that lace! ❤

[@oz_jones]

It's going to be excuisite

[@ElbiAdajew]

The moment those pearls got cleaned was unbelievably satisfying

[@blancodeplomo]

Who is capable of disliking the beautiful work that Baumgartner does?

[@bjdesign3146]

I'm always thrilled when you post and I'm excited to see this beautiful painting restored. Thank you for sharing your process with us once again.

[@dongordon4464]

Watching you clean that varnish off, brought on tears of emotion.

[@gillianesquilant4091]

Oh My! When you cleaned the pearls I actually got goosebumps it was such a beautiful revelation!

[@onefeather2]

As always for me a relaxing and exciting and professional way that Mr. Baumgartner brings these paintings back to life and the how's and whys of how it is done and why certain things are done, it is the whole package. I just absolutely love how the refinishing is done and the time it takes to do the work and how delicate it can be. what a exciting profession even though I am sure it is Very time consuming and takes months if not more. . I was watching one from someone else i happen to come across and they were doing a restore for a museum and they Used STAPLES, that to me is Not in any way professional, I wanted to yell at the computer and tell them.

[@xerodeus2337]

WOW that varnish coming off just revealed some incredible talent. My jaw was dropped wide open when you got to the pearls ad jewels.

[@bethcrane5780]

OMG Julian! What a spectacular painting. This artist's work is truly amazing.

[@adboshop]

Look at these cleaned pearls... It's magic.

[@gospyro]

I’ve been spoiled by only watching older videos so I’ve never had to wait for a second part!!!

[@BlazingsNL]

One of the most satisfying varnish removals on this channel!

[@charlenestrauss3539]

Oh my.... the cleaning was breathtaking! When he went over those pearls they just popped, I sighed, O how beautiful!

[@clairewright8153]

Can’t wait for part 2. You can really see how thick that vanish layer was and the beautiful work it concealed. My Dad always said the quickest way home is the long way around, meaning short cuts will cost you time, money and effort. And if a job is worth doing it’s worth doing well. Words I still live by.

[@ChocoKid26]

I knew there was a hole there but my heart still slightly stopped at 9:36 when the scalpel went through the canvas.😅

[@lehcyfer]

I am a simple man - I see a new Baumgartner video, I watch it fullscreen and like it :)

[@josephinedykstra3383]

Her clothing is gorgeous! The lace on that ruff looks like needle-lace, both reticella and punto in aria (this is the most expensive style of lace; the other lace common at the time, bobbin lace, evolved as a knock-off, though it's also exquisite and stupidly expensive); combining this lace with the brocade, pearls, rubies (?), and diamonds (the way diamonds were cut at the time meant they were portrayed as black in portraiture) says WEALTH, to the point that I have a hard time believing her family couldn't afford a full-size painting, even if they couldn't afford a named painter. Could the rest of the painting, including the signature, have been cut down at some point?

[@EstateofHorror1909]

I thought the same thing. It's an odd cropping for such a high-quality painting and subject matter. The painting could have been cut from its original frame, and you would lose several inches around each side of the painting.

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

I saw that giant chunk of paint come off under your thumb when you were releasing it from the old frame, Master Julian! 🤣🤣 Edit: Ohh, after watching the scraping, that could have been fill-in!

[@Gilyarth]

That is indeed a masterpiece. When you reveal the pearls, the gold, the jewels and the embroidery, it is amazing! I so look forward to the next episode of this restoration. I am in awe for the skills you possess, truly a master of masters.

[@TravisFrontz]

Thanks for your channel! Watching you remove the old varnish and reveal the true details underneath is very visually satisfying. You are truly a craftsman in every sense of the word. Thanks!

[@lindafromcanada7400]

So amazed at the embroidery, incredible. The gold shines and I can see the "little bumps" on the freshwater pearls. Amazing!

[@thfield2417]

What a glorious choice of music to accompany the cleaning of such a glorious gown, the gold, and the pearls!

[@damaclese2]

One of the best cleaning sequences you’ve photographed in the years I’ve been watching you

[@NonLegitNation2]

I really feel like these videos should be a show on PBS, that's a compliment.

[@ivreenmcneill8958]

I love watching all your procedures during the renovations, but the cleaning was mesmerising, what a transformation, can’t wait till the next video 👌

[@catherinezenovich5483]

Wow, this artist is amazing. Now that the old varnish is gone from the garment and jewellery, it sings! Even without the new varnish to saturate the colours, the fabric and jewels shimmer and glow. Can't wait to see the finished product. That ruff is going to look beautiful. Julian, I would imagine that this was a very satisfying project to work on

[@samanthadean1083]

Oh boy, when will people learn to take their paintings to Julian first? Can’t wait to see part 2!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@nrml76]

That painting was done by an artist of considerable skill!

[@treesaptrish1516]

I'm so awe struck by this painting, it's so beautiful. I so wish I could put it on my wall and just stare at the complex structures, and textures. The colors really came out to be so beautiful and soft

[@coralline2316]

this dudes entire channel is the best painting restoration channel and just their voice is just so calming and nice to listen i always like to have their videos in the background when i am doing art

[@j__r0d]

the detail that emerged on that jeweled necklace was jaw-dropping!

[@chloeuntrau4588]

Must be so exciting for the clients to see afterwards the cleaning and restoration of their painting! Already a spectacular change!

[@That1J1]

Wow, I absolutely love all of the information that you deduced from the size of the portrait, the date, fashion, etc.

[@frankschroth4038]

Having to wait for Part 2 is so nerve wrecking !!! 😂😂😂

[@terrimorrison2857]

Can't wait to see part 2!!! I'll spend the week imagining what that lace is going to look like cleaned, then retouched and varnished! Though it should be varnished, retouched and varnished again because I am absolutely certain there will be an isolation layer on this painting.

[@sarahleonard7309]

For a discount price artist, they did a fabulous job! The detail and the richness of color. (chef's kiss)

[@hazels3xyback]

The details on the painting were absolutely gorgeous and textured..

[@surfingky]

Ohh what a tease with only part of the cleaning complete, now I cant wait for part 2!

[@wb8517]

Wow! That's going to be a VERY different painting. The pearls... wow! These videos of restoration and your calm voice explaining the process give hope where it is much needed. Thank you.

[@grannieannie1371]

Man I'm really looking forward to seeing this painting restored. The painting of the embroidery is so well done. This is going to be stunning.

[@huseyx2]

I recently saw the newly restored Queen Elizabeth Armada portraits and the details they uncovered were truly stunning. So glad you're lucky enough to work on such a beautiful style of portraits.

[@4MyThoughts]

I greatly respect your skill and diligence, but what makes your narration sing is your ability to choose the the correct words and apply precise diction. Thank you sir.

[@brianjbonkowski9636]

The time lapse cleaning continues to be one of my favorite features of your videos, especially on a painting with this much discolorization.

[@jilldavies7094]

You couldn't have given us just a tiny little bit of the cleaned ruff to be going on with? Oh, cruel, Julian!

[@oz_jones]

It's never a good idea to finish too quickly. Or so i have heard.

[@pancakepanther4166]

Fascinating how you can almost hear the painting getting better everytime you flip it