From The Shadows

[@sgtleobella]

I love how you tossed that cosmetic canvas aside in absolute disgust 😂

[@screetchycello]

right? just ... YEET

[@violetagarcia2562]

That was the best 😂

[@joeb4142]

Julian’s a master of subtle shade.

[@wazzup105]

@@violetagarcia2562 Seeing Kit an that doggie in the background was a good second

[@melindalong6369]

Laughed out load when I saw it!

[@Andrew-Andre]

FYI. This is a 19th century copy of a portrait likely depicting the famed artist Sir Peter Paul Rubens. What appears to be the original painting is at Sudeley Castle, but there are copies in various private collections (one sold at Christie's in 2010) as well as an engraving. The Sudeley painting is possibly painted by Sir Anthony Van Dyck and was used as a reference for Rubens' likeness as depicted in a painting of the gallery of Cornelis van der Geest - a 17th century Antwerp based merchant and art collector. The Van der Geest Gallery painting has remained in Antwerp to the present day at the Rubenshuis. It is painted by Willem van Haecht whose father may have been one of Rubens' first art teachers.

[@ChristinaCatFoster]

Skinning a painting seems like one of the biggest mistakes a conservator can make. You can’t go back after it’s been skinned. Makes my heart wilt.

[@l.m.2404]

Sometimes, skinning is done on purpose by folks who want to make the painting " theirs". Wealth Victorians were especially bad for doing this.

[@ellaisplotting]

@@l.m.2404 that's atrocious. People with no respect for art shouldn't be entrusted with it.

[@plaguedocter4791]

I don’t understand what the process even acomplishes? Why is it done

[@sgtleobella]

I just want to say that I love your new posting schedule, Julian. Going back and forth between your behind-the-scenes series and your conservation work is *chef's kiss*

[@abbofun9022]

Fully agree and well said.

[@dawn5227]

I was thinking the same. New and different content with the behind the scenes is great its interesting but it not taking the place of the traditional conservation which we all know and love.. for me its a win win. More content, more videos and nothing is compromised.

[@dwarfbard]

I knew new content was coming but it slipped my mind. Didn't get any of the other type of videos on my subscription feed. 🙃

[@joeb4142]

😘

[@jean-robertmeschi7136]

​@@dwarfbardmop

[@angelique_cs]

Me: oh, tacks ... Good on the last conservationists 60 seconds later: staples?!? Oooh, Julian is gonna get 'em!

[@MeriaDuck]

That moment was one of those 'Why!'s I may have said or loud 😂. Why the canvas, why cutting it smaller, why the new yet broken stretcher and why those staples.

[@tostyjoost]

yesss

[@johntheivagt3054]

I was like you, feeling good about the tacks. Then I actually said 'What?!' out loud. My wife upstairs immediately asked me what was wrong. I had to explain how Julian was removing tacks and found staples as well. 'If they had tacks, why on earth did they have to use staples? Absurd!'

[@BlairdBlaird]

@@johntheivagt3054With the backing it looks like a less ethical version of a conservation for auction (similar to Julian's previous video), with work done to "clean up" the painting for easy sale, it seems to show use of conservation techniques but not necessarily *good* use of them? Or possibly it's a modern but much older conservation, where the standards and considerations were yet different, and they have been refined and stripped down since.

[@l.m.2404]

This painting reminds me so much of a P.P.Reubens portrait sketch. Unfortunately, wealthy Britians, with more money than sense and thought themselves artistic, would purchase such oil sketches and " finish " them. Victorians were insane but they keep Julian in a profession.

[@gwendolenshepard9124]

It may seem strange but as an artist, I have learned so much about painting. I had a professor that broke a lot of your rules such as staple fastening. I bought UV stabilized varnish to coat my paintings. Thank you.

[@KilgoreTrout4343]

I don't think it's strange at all -- I was instructed by second-generation Abstract Expressionists and the emphasis was on everything but the physical quality of the artifact. I too have learned so much from watching Julian repair the mistakes we have all made.

[@annabellelee4535]

I think watching Julian has taught me that paintings have a life outside the studio that the artist needs to take in account. Like you're doing.

[@AlexandraCopeland-xe2ff]

The inscription looks to me like "Braham, London, August 1813" per your suggestion at the end of the video that this may be an actor, I think it could be John Braham, who was a Jewish opera singer in London active at the appropriate time. Other drawings of him are similar enough, though I wasn't able to place this particular costume or what he would have been performing in 1813 (edit: Someone else sleuthed it! It's a copy of a portrait of Rubens by Van Dyck now at Sudeley Castle)

[@Judoka26]

Hiw cool would it be if your information would let them find provenance of this painting!

[@ebrozo]

Yes, very similar to his portrait in later years (1819 by Samuel De Wilde in the National Portrait Gallery in London NPG d18793). The same eyes especially.

[@pattimessenger6214]

You may have solved it! Great sleuthing!

[@montisebree3313]

Musical archives from Harvard Library: The Death of General Sir Ralph Abercrombie Sung by Mr. Braham At the Theatre Royal Covent Garden in the Comic Opera of the Thirty Thousand or Who’s the Richest? c1813

[@pattimessenger6214]

@@montisebree3313 Bravo! Well done!

[@erenthewitch818]

losing it at the realization the varnish jar (jarnish if you will) is a pickle jar. the contrast of some of julians more high-tech gadjets and imaging with.... a beat to hell pickle jar. is amazing

[@glazdarklee1683]

And not just any pickle jar, but a "Milwaukee petite kosher dill pickle" jar. The man has standards.

[@brittanystorm420]

Anyone else get excited over the doggo at 7:45 or just me?

[@Crytical8494]

What did you notice first? The dog, Kit, or Julians shirt? Lot's going on in that shot.

[@GermanSausagesAreTheWurst]

Yes, we need an introduction to the pupper.

[@annabellelee4535]

I had to run it back to enjoy the little pupper again! I was all "Wait, is there a puppy walking by?"! I think the pupper went to see if Kit would pet her!!

[@glazdarklee1683]

I like the coy way Julian includes these little glimpses.

[@giagem404]

Oh! I didn't even notice until you pointed it out. That may be Julian's dog, Miko(?). They may have cameoed only one other time - at the very end of Julian's second restoration of Anne, chewing on a paintbrush. Of course I could be wrong and that's a whole other dog, but hey!

[@MrScrewtape1]

Love the Kit cameo. At some point in her training, it would be great to see a side-by-side comparison of her progress from beginning to present.

[@thomas_oak2943]

Ahhh Grasshopper... Kit has another 6 years of scraping ahead of her before Julian will progress her to tacking.

[@birgittvanwijk9646]

Too much pressure. Kit is a quick study with a quick wit. However Julian has decades of experience.

[@birgittvanwijk9646]

Han van Meegeren was smarter but still was caught eventually. Julian, I am so glad how you show us your painstaking work. Absolutely fascinating. I know quite a bit of art history and honed my eye with decades of visiting the important European museums. I am Dutch so of course the Rijksmuseum is my personal pinnacle. However I always wondered how restorers are able to revive tired paintings. Thank you for letting us look over your shoulder.

[@projektkobra2247]

Nobody cares.

[@oz_jones]

@@projektkobra2247 You cared enough to comment, honey.

[@emmabroughton2039]

The subtle changes in his face makes all the difference. It went from a good portrait to a sublime portrait. Thank you, Julian.

[@mrsspeech]

Kudos to the gentleman who saw the beauty of this painting and took a chance on it. It is beautiful.

[@MalloryKnox.]

The last video I watched was from a channel called “Into the Shadows” about rabies, and it creeped me out to much to sleep. Naturally I came to Julian’s channel for a sleeping aid, despite having seen most of them, and immediately see that he’s just published a new video called “From The Shadows”. Absolutely perfect. Just the satisfying title alone will help me relax.

[@bannertowman]

I've been watching him as well haha

[@MalloryKnox.]

@@bannertowman Simon Whistler has so many channels, that when combined, I wonder how the hell he lives a life outside of that recording set up. And yet every video is worth watching. A huge part of that is obviously on his script writers and editors, together they all do a phenomenal job. I sometimes get a bit, well, 𝘫𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴, if I’m honest, of KZbinrs that make big bucks off working a few hours a day, but Simon’s channels are different, he and his team and his family fully deserve the credit and money. And there goes my ADHD again giving detailed reviews that weren’t asked for.

[@kathleenclark5877]

Staples? NOT STAPLES!!! It is always so enjoyable to watch Julian take the painting from a distressed state to one of unity and “calm” for lack of a better term.

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

I love how the careful attention to small details resulted in a balanced restoration that pays respect to the sitter, the artist, and the taste of the new owner. I would love it if Kitt could have her own video documenting one of her projects this year! It would be great to see how her knowledge and skills have improved under your mentorship, Julian!

[@randomplotbunny]

Cropping and Staples and Overpainting! Oh My!

[@tyzu8015]

I want you to know that I work in a very busy kitchen all day and when I finally go home to my 5 hours I have before I have to sleep, I like to smoke and watch your videos. This mix of pure film talent as well as a passion and love for art is amazing. God bless you, friend.

[@TThomas-si7yn]

To do something well is a skill. To do something very well is a gift. To have a gift and to explain it well...that's talent.

[@bevgordon7619]

21:32 (left hand bottom corner) 😀 who knew kosher dill pickles (yumm) make such great contributions to the art restoration world, in which You, Julian, are Number One!

[@BURZZA3G]

I know you said the change in this painting was subtle but I have to disagree. It now speaks volumes and is so much more beautiful in the subtle shades of color. I am enjoying your work so much! My favorite is when you take a painting from start to finish and explain what is happening with each step. It doesn't matter if you say it a million times I never get tired of it!

[@vectorwolf]

I've done a lot of photo restoration, and while i don't have to worry about things like patching canvas, I'm always struck by the similarity of our technique when it comes to repairing image loss. Getting way in there and making tiny additions of color while taking care not to just overpaint. I've always found it so satisfying to bring back an image all but lost.

[@graceparker7003]

I cringed as you started talking about this painting. How abused it had been by the previous conservator and just shook my head back and forth as you painstakingly restored it to a much better condition. I am certainly not in your line of work, but admit that you have taught me much. One thing is for sure, conserving any piece of art needs to be done by experts with credentials and experience. That puts you at the top of my list IF I should ever need to have anything restored. Thank you for another insightful look into your world.

[@scottantonucci]

I'm am never not comforted by your videos. 🙏 I can feel my entire nervous system relaxing minute-by-minute. 😌

[@abbygail6010]

During that pandemic this was my anti anxiety sleep channel. Like I could sleep with out it. Feels so nostalgic to comeback to it

[@KevboKev]

6:51 - I always love Julian's looks of excitement! 🙂

[@Ericaodd]

And the way he almost dismissively tosses aside the unnecessary backing. He was so done with it! 😂

[@jayceebaguio]

I've been following and watching your videos for years now and as a makeup artist, I learn so much from how you mix and give colours to how to apply them on the canvas. Above all, be passionate about what you do. I love you with all my heart. ❤

[@allisonj7197]

Totally off topic but i very much love that brown/floral pattern shirt you changed into around the 7:00 minute mark. Like wearing art while restoring art :)

[@dibbuk5730]

As always, it is a pleasure to watch your videos. And a wave to Kit for her cameo appearance. My first thought upon seeing the painting was: "Heavy overpainting on forehead, cheeks, and nose."

[@susanwoodcarver]

I love that the subject was an actor, and not somebody’s rich foo foo uncle. Instead, he was proud of the character he was portraying. I especially love this one. A working man, proud of his trade and talent so much so that he paid to have his picture painted while in costume.

[@yvonnemccarthy4957]

I will never get tired of seeing the restored paintings at the end of the videos. You truly make them come to life.

[@firstlast5068]

Another great video! Two quick cameos: Kit and the little doggie! Also, I LOVE that floral shirt!

[@deawallach3404]

Second comment: as well as the painting being softened and free from those hard edges, he no longer looks like he hasn't slept for a couple of weeks. The prior darkness around the eyes almost made him look sinister! Love the work you put in to this conservation, as always, Julian!!

[@triplex86]

Such a joy to watch you work and this channel is by far the best picture restoration channel on YT. It is always one careful, well thought out step after another and I've seen enough of your videos now to be able to almost guess what is coming next. I think cleaning will always be my favourite part of the process but the final reveal is wonderful as well. Thank you for posting.

[@tomfurgas2844]

After seeing many of Julian's restoration videos I have never even bothered to watch any other art conservators at work. Julian is the best, no doubt. I'm afraid if I watched other conservators I'd be aghast at their techniques or lack thereof.

[@apatosaurusanna]

Coming soon: "The Hell Were You Thinking?" a new 7-part series where Julian surprises bad conservators and schools them on everything they did wrong. 😂

[@MichelleSchulte1964]

I love how he pitches the liner off the table! LOL - Julian you don't have to say a word, your actions and your face say volumes! Thank you!

[@donnaroom1504]

I tune in solely to enjoy the sound of your voice. I do admire your skill, patience, and hard work but it’s your gentle, clear “story-telling” voice that keeps me coming back!

[@ronsiedavie2377]

I really enjoyed this. Thank you that any music is not intrusive and the speaking clear for those who are hard of hearing like me. Got a glimpse of the dog. A house is not a home without a dog and that goes for workshops too.

[@ericarodrigues9522]

HI KITT! Always good to see she still around!

[@dougl945]

Hi Julian, This portrait is in the manner of Peter Paul Rubens… or Van Dyck. The skinning of paint surface makes it a bit tough to spot, but there are a great deal of qualities in what remains that show the technique of Rubens. I’m unsure what the “Graham London 1813” is… possibly this was a work done by a student at the Royal Academy in 1813 from a known work by Rubens. Possible a study from a group portrait, or individual sitter. Possibly an owners name. I’ve seen inventory numbers done this way before in blocks. Worth the effort to research this. The UK has a site that records all works in public collections. It’s a wealth of information when faced with an English provenance or clue. I believe it’s called ArtUk. Good luck.

[@OtherWorldExplorers]

When you uncovered that information on the back of the painting. I let out an audible whoa!! At this moment you're cleaning the glue off the back. So I'm anxious to find out what that information might mean.

[@CJmonkee]

First, those shots with the morning sun were amazing. Second, that shirt is also amazing.

[@craftypod]

My first thought when I saw the "before" state was, "Hey, that looks like a lot of overpaint." A testament to how much I've learned from you over the years, Julian. 😊

[@pattimessenger6214]

I wish we knew who the artist was. I love how realistic his work is. And how he captured the raw, brooding expression. His name should be remembered.

[@dlebreton7888]

I love to just sit and watch each step taken to retouch and bring the paintings back to life. I am amazed with your patience. Wonderful craft. You are a Master.

[@imkabochan]

In a couple years I hope we get to see restoration of modern paintings The joy I'd get of Julian cleaning something like a gengar portrait "The mysterious figure emerges from darkness with their striking red eyes and whimsical grin" Or a landscape of middle earth. So amusing lol

[@samanthadean1083]

I’m loving the alternating behind the scenes and then restoration videos!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@lelandallen]

The videos where you have to repair scalping are always the most amazing ones. it's like having to replant a burned garden with as few seedlings as possible, and yet you make it look so effortless

[@jadymulqueeney]

Brilliant thank you. Cool shirt you’re wearing too. Beautiful piano music.

[@robingray2331]

The conservation work is always fascinating, and so lovingly done. And...it was good to see Kit in the background. The wee dog was a bonus.

[@luciamartini8217]

Mesmerizing. Maybe it's a portrait of a shakespearian actor playing his character. The discret shine of tears in his eyes is so touching!

[@feralbluee]

An incredible painting. a beautiful man - the expression so artistic and dramatically thoughtful.🌷🌱 i was on target with the expression. Rubens is an incredible artist. the movement and living character of his paintings are so exciting. 🎠🌷🌱 the collar is flowing and vibrant. the overpaint, although good, but is static. you are so meticulous, amazing, and creative. 🦋

[@Kelpiejane3252]

Dear Julian, a masterclass of restraint, we all know what you were really thinking, and what a beautiful painting you rescued.

[@bearyblue]

25:17 Julien is describing my ideal lip product

[@unavoidablycanadian397]

The most 90s font ever 3:28 That's a fantastic choice

[@joeb4142]

Umph = achieved 👍🏻 The best way I can think of to describe this restoration is that the finished painting looks more 3D than it did before Julian worked on it.

[@graemetimoney7002]

I have watched your channel for so long now Julian that on first glance my thoughts on this painting were that the collar did not blend in and seemed to sit on top of the surface, so must be overpainted. Secondly I felt that the canvas had been cropped. I was proven correct on both counts. You are turning us all into experts under your tuition.

[@Flavelius]

Instead of glueing tears by placing single snippets of threads, the closeup at 17:15 made me wonder whether it might be faster or maybe just easier to be clean to just take such a frayed edge (as the threads are already perfectly aligned there), glue it down on one side until it's fixed, then cut off the rest of the cloth on other side and finish the attachment.

[@julie6092]

Hmm🤔.... I totally see what you're saying. I think though, he'd need to 'thin out' the frays as there's a teeny bit more space between the single pieces. And I wonder if a 'solid line' of pieces might telescope (?) to the front of the painting. But it's honestly a pretty sharp idea. It may be something he could work on in order to have it succeed! 👍 😊

[@trapjohnson]

@@julie6092 Telegraph, instead of telescope

[@Ericaodd]

Ok... we all saw the cute puppy in the background! We need details! What's its name? Is it yours? We want to see its face!

[@ellaisplotting]

I'd be delighted to never see it again, tbh. Random dogs are not why I'm here.

[@FilthyWhiteTrash]

I love to see the dog!

[@Warriorette12]

Nice to see Kit’s still around 😄

[@Billio68]

I can’t believe I never watched this one. I have watched all your posts. The disdain with which you threw that staple filled lining was telling. I love your passion for the craft and dedication to doing it right.

[@aruvielevenstar3944]

So meticulously done, so neat and tidy, I recently saw other restorators, but I was shocked by how rough and not carefully they treated the painting. Julian is just the best! A true master in his work ❤

[@maxmurgia642]

Beautiful !

[@saveusmilkboy]

7:48 Greetings to your two- and four-legged assistants!!! Nice to see you, Kit! Who is the doggo?

[@libbybotha]

My OCD kicks in big time....I can sit and do cleaning of rabbit glue daily... to the slow cleaning of removing the old varnish.....😂😂😂 I get so involved in just watching!

[@dvasymmetry9696]

David from Kansas City here, I didn't realize until now how enjoyable the forensic aspect of your work is. Here simply the prior work done on the painting and elsewhere the painter or other historic aspects.

[@AmandaBucklow]

As an artist, I learn so much from watching you at work. Such a joy to see a master at work.

[@blancacribas]

ok Julian, love “shining a light on the work…” while standing in a beam of sunlight!!! loved that.

[@tostyjoost]

gotta love the aggressive throw 6:58 to the floor archive

[@ilreput1]

I reconstruct photographic depictions of theatre interiors that are either no longer standing, or in need of restoration, and require accurate depictions of how they looked when first opened. Although a totally different type of conservation, it requires the same extensive research, and detailed, sometimes tedious, work (which I love). Your dedication to integrity and your skill level, is an inspiration, and always the perfect medium to prepare myself for the current job I’m undertaking. Every time I’m about to start, there’s a mixture of excitement and dread, as my self expectations are high, and I strive for a totally accurate and believable rendering. Thank you for your amazing and obsessive work, you always put me in the right frame of mind.

[@margodphd]

That sounds fascinating. If you don't mind me asking, how does one acquire such an interesting, niche occupation?

[@rgcainmd]

It’s so nice to see another restoration video!

[@jeniferbaker4858]

This painting looks so much nicer without that heavy gloss. Well done. And also, I love the tears in his eyes, so very moving.

[@jessarain9917]

I don't know who edits your productions, but BRAVO. The timing is perfect for retaining interest in the restoration process. Your voice is wonderfully intelligent and has a sense of intimacy.

[@DelayedPenalty]

This video perfectly demonstrates nearly all of the reasons why the way you do things is better.

[@Joliepinkyswear1]

The changes didn't seem drastic but what a difference they made. You can truly see how much softer the whole painting became. Enjoyed this restoration a lot.

[@annesaffer629]

Wow, that was a good restoration! There are patterns on his jacket now visable, and as you said, the brushstrokes in his collar etc are beautifully visible now. Kudos!

[@rupertmiller9690]

I'd like to see an exhibition of restored art a gallery or museum someday. Images of the work before and during the process along with the finished work would be a delightfully fascinating way to spend an afternoon.

[@pengdubit]

I really like this painting…that sunlight illuminating that face..lovely.

[@LeannaRuthJensen]

I would like to thank you for the artist. Having worked on portraits and struggled to get just the look I wanted it is so satisfying. But then to see some heavy hand come along later and "correct it" is horrifying. It is so satisfying to see that heavy hand removed.

[@scottsteinburg3284]

It’s absolutely amazing that you can restore the painting to its correct size so flawlessly

[@shawnwright4129]

Did I just see a cute dog randomly wandering around in the background? Cute! As always, love your videos, the care you guys take restoring the paintings.

[@nuancedmusings-ronneefullerton]

Thanks for your meticulous work and descriptive, eloquent narration. Another great and varied restoration for us! ❤

[@zuzuspetals38]

Don’t you wish tht everyone in every occupation, could be as knowledgeable, fastidious, and honorable as Julian??🤷🏻‍♀️👏🏼 Such a master of his craft

[@mauricepowers3804]

Incredible!!! I am a retired surgical trauma scrub nurse....your techniques are much like a surgeon! M also an artist. Thank you for this❤

[@abogadamexicali1807]

Ooomph. Totally get it. Technical term in many professions 😊 Thank you, Julian.

[@marisp2588]

Oh my goodness WHO is that cute little floofer at 7:46? I need them in every video!

[@Garden366]

Oh joy another Baumgartner Restoration video!!!! Made my entire day! On another note, it occurred to me that perhaps the person doing the previous restoration, thought heavy handedness with the cleaning would be OK since they could simply repaint anything that they took off. The painting was so skinned It made no sense but that that occurred. I’d be crushed and very angry if anyone took this approach to something I worked hard on, to achieve the subtleties of a piece that I made to look a certain way only to have my paint and glazes removed by a less than competent person.

[@melissataylor5494]

Magic! You are incredible! Such a great story to tell and lovely painting to uncover. Bravo.❤

[@dylanbjornholtlund2791]

It broke my heart seeing how much paint had been stripped by the last conservation. I had hopes it would be like other videos where the last conservator just painted over original paint and there isn't much damage, but seeing that raw canvas just hit differently.

[@Cdawgw]

That squarespace smooth transition tho hahaha “from the shadows” 😂😂

[@zuzuspetals38]

So happy to see Kits puppy too ♥️

[@margaretpeggymitchell3138]

I love watching you work, it's like meditation. Thank you.

[@kh7794]

I do like this new format, outside and into other's worksplaces and back into yours. Addresses what sometimes comes across as a know it all or arrogant and definately, to me, more relatable.

[@SusanHammond-w6q]

I love this video! Loved seeing Kit in the background too along, I’m assuming, with her dog. The portrait looked warmer and so much better after your talented efforts. Thank you!

[@vivian4949]

I will always love you work Julian.

[@Evan1060]

Stunning piece! Bravo. Thanks for sharing.

[@jpeabody1155]

You made me laugh when you said Oomph as being the correct terminology to use. When i was doing my apprenticeship as a Chef my head Chef would always use the term "Essence of oomph" when a dish needed that little extra touch.

[@lorrainemunoa791]

I love how much I learn watching these videos, but just nifty info about conservation but also what Not To Do as an artist! I promise- no staples. I can use a hammer well enough. It's fascinating how when I see other good conservators working on other shows/videos- when they have slightly different methods but it's to achieve the very same aims, and the very same ethics are what they cite to explain what they are doing.

[@oneshotme]

It turned out to be a very beautiful painting that we couldn't see!! And you did a amazing job restoring it as well!!! I enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@trevorsneath4665]

I love the shirt you're wearing during the clean up of the canvas back Julian. Truly a nice shirt and I'm a bit envious.

[@KathySpieker]

Amazing work! Seeing how the steps bring the painting back is wonderful!