How Old Paintings Are Professionally Restored

Coming up is the restoration of a fine art portrait painted in 1762 by the French artist F Arnaud of Marseilles. Let's dive into the delicate, intricate process of fine art restoration.

[@allisonpalmgren7583]

After watching Baumgartner Restoration, I’m really starting to see that each restorer uses very different methods. I kept thinking of the ways that it could have been done differently, like adding a strip lining on the tacking edge or cleaning in smaller chunks. It would have been interesting to hear the restorer explain his process.

[@-TheRealPatriot-]

I think Baumgartner did it better. Like this guy was cutting the original tacking edge with scissors and I was like “WHAT ARE YOU DOING”

[@Mekratrig]

It was also an easier restoration. Facial features only needed cleaning, no degraded areas to be restored.

[@-TheRealPatriot-]

@@Mekratrig the technique was also really weird. Where he used the same solvent and just wiped the whole painting down

[@blusun2]

I’m glad I’m not the only Baumgartner fan in here.

[@ytafshin]

If this is professional restoration, then Baumgartner is Godly restoration. This process was very stressful to watch. Seems like these are the types of restorers Baumgartner keeps complaining about.

[@Urface93095]

You can really appreciate the details the artist painted after such a wonderful restoration.

[@boatymsboatface3929]

Yes , the subject became a real person that was alive during another age, instead of just an old painting! Fascinating!!

[@nightmarebendy490]

E

[@NolisAnimations]

@@nightmarebendy490 E

[@syneo7196]

E, keep it going

[@Cross_Sans.X]

no

[@aceentity7703]

I like the idea of the original artist seeing their work being so painstakingly preserved and treated with such care over 300 years later and they approve and are happy 😊

[@epicdunsparce7072]

As an artist myself, I was thinking exactly this! It gives me hope

[@Stray_Kidz_fan.]

No what he means is that someone owns the painting

[@littlespeck]

Who’d have thought that restoring art is an art of itself? Excellent video, man!

[@sarastern9516]

Same!!!!!😊

[@leeshackelford7517]

Who wouldn't think it's an art?

[@chau5109]

I'd argue that all restorations are an artwork in of itself

[@Grimbaloo]

Everything is art, whether it be cooking, singing, drawing, or really anything you do in life. It just depends on how you view the meaning of "art."

[@lurima]

It's true!

[@buttonsanimations5921]

I don't comment on videos that much, but seriously, it makes me drool to see how rich the white and gold on his coat was after the restoration! I feel like saying "great job" is an understatement. You are a true professional!

[@doubleitandpassitdown]

he isn’t the one who did it, he is voicing over someone else

[@catborgir8763]

Noice

[@joebean3615]

Love you profile pic 👏👏

[@Melicoy]

Should have cleaned before mounting.

[@Melicoy]

test paint thinner on the letter. Hmm maybe a not so noticeable area like the corner?

[@blablah9938]

Seeing him retouch with oil paints instead of *fully reversible* restoration paint got me clutching my pearls.

[@jamsstar2010]

They are only temporary Like everything in this world I sadly think The last restoration

[@joseroncero8379]

The whole "reversible conservator" paints is starting to sound to me like a cope out. The whole rationale is that they are easily removable so that some other conservator can do so at some future date. That frankly seems like no real repair then, if it's literally designed to fail. Keep in mind the isolation varnish layer is already supposed to separate the restoration from the original regardless of paint type.

[@blablah9938]

@@joseroncero8379 isolation layer is there to help saturate the original colours, onto which you paint the conservativation colour. The hue of saturated paint layer changes from "raw" layers, so it makes sense you are trying to mimic the colour to saturated state (which will be achieved with final varnish). The restoration colours are not cop-out, but a recognition that tastes and morals about retouching changes, so restion techniqies are trying to acknowledge it. Ultimately the trend in restorations will change again and it is a moral princeple that you dont touch the precious original, so your (restoration) work can be removed without damaging the original´s artist work.

[@blablah9938]

@@joseroncero8379 oh, also forgot about the most important thing about restoration colours- they do NOT change hue, which every other colour does, so once the retouching will be done, the consistency with original paint will remain. REtouched spot will not darken/lighten and retouching will look good indefinitely.

[@BitmapFrogs]

@@joseroncero8379 there's a world of difference between something easily removable and something designed to fail sheesh

[@kazater]

my wife is an art conservator, and alot of her knowledge has rubbed off on me, i have to say its refreshing to FINALLY see a restoration not rushing through the cleaning with a gallon of turpentine. thanks for that. it seems you really know what youre doing. :)

[@donaldkasper8346]

I would have the painting lying down so as not to have to deal with cleaner runs, and dobbed with small rubbing swirls with cotton balls.

[@blablah9938]

yeah, instead he drenched it in gallon of acetone. not much of an improvement

[@Vorticough]

the artist of the painting would be proud

[@lisagibson2975]

i love watching old paintings get "cleaned/fixed" up. It's like going back in time and seeing the little things on a painting that have disappeared over time.

[@DEmma1972]

I agree, and now we have seen some threads disappear. Bet the owner wishes he could go back in time.

[@donaldkasper8346]

Yeah and every chemical mix was kept secret, so what did you really learn? You would start with 10% isopropyl alcohol in distilled water and work up in 10% increments until it came clean enough.

[@littlebacchus216]

Every fan of Julian at Baumgartner Restoration looking on in horror!

[@MizzMaree7]

From 8:40-8:44... seeing the painting flex against the strainer during cleaning and then seeing the solvent has completely wicked thru to the back of the painting?! Yikes.

[@faithtalbot5739]

I’m absolutely horrified?!!!!!!! He even cut off pieces of the original tacking edge!!!!!

[@smallcnclathes]

I think it is the fault of the channel, I just watched a violin restoration and it too was horrible. Mind you Julian is exceptional.

[@tysonsanto841]

Screaming internally intensifies as I watch more.

[@whyearth]

Indeed!!! I was watching in disgust!

[@shaldana]

My first 'woah' moment was the test clean - writing on the letter showing up. This was incredible to watch and I truly appreciate you taking the time to not only do the job, but filming it as well. That was truly fascinating.

[@marilynmccormick3731]

It takes an incredable artist to do this restoration. Amazing & interesting. So much more interesting than some lame movie with equall lame actors!

[@targaryangirlalways5634]

Baumgartner would not do a test clean on the actual letter. . . he'd do it on a less featured part of the canvas.

[@michaeltroster9059]

Wow. The restorers deserve praise as great patience is required to do a good job. This can’t be rushed.

[@aprildegele1510]

That retouching color matching was amazing. Most folks don't know that in order to restore a painting, you have to be an artist yourself. Matter of fact, cleaning and retouching takes a lot more skill than the original painter likely had. Painting restoration is something folks know about, but don't know anything about if that makes sense. It's not just a matter of cleaning the dirt off as most folks think. You have to have a very keen eye for detail and color ... and patience that few have. Even the artist. Kudos.

[@paulalientje]

I thought the same thing, but for one hiccup. He puts paint where no paint has been lost. I'm not dissing the results cause they're amazing but he really shouldn't be obscuring the original artists work like that.

[@kyleydaykinuphujto4uuhu669]

Incredible. I especially liked how he matched the colours and retouched so closely. So talented.

[@faeylathistledown]

Absolutely insane. The amount of time taken and love for the craft and the art really shows. Immense respect for this sort of profession. I'm speechless otherwise. It was literally bringing something back to life, to its original glory.

[@moonstruck3454]

I do think I love watching it more than you love filming it. It was so mesmerizing, so magical! High respect for the one who restored it. Hats off.

[@-gemm]

fun fact: the mona lisa used to have eyebrows and eyelashes, but it was over cleaned and they faded away

[@ossasslaye13yearsago14]

I barely see artists that could paint such magnificent piece like that, That type of art is really common centuries ago, i wish to live in an era of art

[@lloafofbread]

Artists then: this painting Artists now: dots are art

[@dqrk_6]

now random splashes of paint on a canvas are considered art

[@bruce2.085]

While yes back then paintings were thriving in more ways than one but do take note back when this painting was made the country was not the best one.

[@hunterbolt10]

@@bruce2.085 he said an era of art so say things were still normal this century but the art was like art in that era

[@-AV33-]

I try to do actual art not random dots on paper But that doesn’t mean it looks good lol😅

[@andreasrensen6465]

What an incredible journey for the painting! From a dusty, ancient artifact, a man was brought to life again. It was like watching someone emerge from a time machine. How very skilled you are, and what a rewarding occupation it must be! Thanks for sharing.🙂

[@GeorgeAlexa]

Since I won't be painting, let alone restoring pictures, I decided to apply what you see here to my life physically and spiritually. What a way for me to start the day. Perhaps a lesson for each of us as our bodies are restored during the night, but we can do so much more during the waking period.

[@patrickflores1429]

This video was fantastic. My grand father used to restore antiques in his spare time. This reminded so much of the amazing results.

[@clintonda5976]

Bruh you just copied @Joseph amanda comment and got more likes... Not cool man, not cool.

[@syklone_]

@@clintonda5976 who even cares? It’s a comment with literally no value whatsoever

[@Bot29393]

@@clintonda5976 who gives a shit?

[@ParadoxRein]

It’s amazing to see such beautiful art be kept alive! I have the utmost respect for these restoration projects and the people doing them ❤

[@mauriceburgess]

Absolutely amazing. Keeping the past alive is as priceless as the artwork itself. Future generations will be indebted to this labor of love.

[@kareemel-khalil4400]

Wow! What can I say. Thank you for sharing this video. I never realised how much work is put into restoring old paintings. Really amazing.

[@max-ss8ic]

To think that someone in the future will have to restore this painting as well is just amazing.

[@b_ran3841]

Is it just me or... I could imagine Baumgartner watching this and cringing...how he did the cleaning and the test for the varnish removal .. that being said I appreciated the way he repainted (I forget its name but using a million tiny dots)

[@doughnut_panda]

I agree, this is not proper restoration.

[@causeway318]

Came here to say this.. Julian would have a thing or two to say about this.

[@Notmadenough]

Baumgartner was the first thought I had watching this. It would be fun to hear what he thinks of this restoration.

[@Cleviii]

Julian was the first thought I had too, specially in the beginning of the video the guy putting the painting on the floor and how rough he handle this 3 century painting

[@miranduri]

It’s termed pointillism.

[@nickfeganart5776]

An artist dedicated to another artist. Beautiful to watch you bring it back to life.

[@cynthiahanna3212]

What a wonderful job on this painting- the difference is amazing! I particularly love the way you can now see the intricacies of the lace!

[@1LivingCuriously]

It must be a very satisfying feeling to see a painting come back to life.

[@deborahnorthover5304]

A joy to watch, I can’t believe how white the lace became, wonderful.

[@nataliestaheli51602]

You did a phenomenal job restoring that! I love seeing and hearing about really old things, places and people, so I truly enjoyed watching this! You are truly talented!

[@colinbanning9416]

This seems like a wild profession to master. Doesn't seem like you get a lot of second chances with priceless, irreplaceable masterpieces.

[@lynboxer2920]

That was AMAZING!!! You should be so proud of what you did!!! It's a miracle how much better the painting looked, after you helped. CONGRATULATIONS !!! 🖌🖌🖌

[@stizzy9254]

ok

[@kim-di3vw]

ok

[@ashleypakula822]

ok

[@fizzcat3321]

That one time the guy messes up. So who’s gonna tell the owner?

[@stizzy9254]

@@fizzcat3321 no

[@FarazKhan-mq2id]

I watched as small imperfections and marks slowly disappear before my eyes. The painting looks really nice. Just like when the person bought it. Well done.

[@skrittle555]

I do vintage and antique restoration and I could watch videos like this all day. It really is as nerve-wracking as you think it is, but oh boy is it satisfying.

[@tron3entertainment]

The amount of depth achieved in 1762 is nothing short of amazing.

[@Toko_G]

Hello, from 🇯🇵 Japan. 動きに無駄も躊躇も無い、素晴らしい職人技ですね☺️この様な方達が居るからこそ、時代を超えた美しい絵画が残っていると思うと感慨深いものがあります。

[@DoubleThrower]

14:00 ... that whole repaint process perfectly shows and describes the satisfying feeling i have when i edit my pictures

[@TheMrMayo]

One video. It literally took one video for me to fall in love with this channel and what it has to offer. Cheers for the work you do!

[@helenspedding-lowe5469]

I am just totally in awe of the painstaking work to restore this painting. Incredible patience and dedication by the restorer. Many thanks for this wonderful video!

[@maigeahearn8928]

I love how he’s so gentle with the art!

[@tint661]

The mastery of blending the correct colors shows years of experience. Very nice work. The owner should be pleased.

[@dimitravargiamidou5643]

Truly incredible. You brought an old painting back to life.

[@gorillaglue7232]

The restorer is also an artist. That was brilliant.

[@Alx_GrimmProductions]

Is no one else stuck on "impregnated with glue" 3:43 😂 no but seriously excellent work 😊

[@anthonym612]

Watching this makes me realize why I happily pay for a Patreon subscription to watch Baumgartner do his thing. He’s the gold standard as far as I’m concerned.

[@gunstargizmo]

I've painted with oils for 30yrs and this is the first time I've seen a restoration. I had no idea this much work was required.

[@Normac1994]

There’s nothing like watching a masters-crafts man work

[@lepolhart3242]

The restoration looks amazing, the skill it takes to restore it is very high.

[@vanjay9231]

Im not even listening to the narrator, im just looking at how satisfying the restoring process is

[@MosterAlex228]

Thank you very much for showing me how you do your job and restore old paintings.

[@l-bear_0528]

I always get anxious whenever I watch these videos but I'm also in awe. Keep up the great work!

[@danielvialcruz]

I'm not a restorer, I'm a carpenter. That's why I think he had to bevel the frame so that it doesn't continue to mark the painting.

[@belledobson2007]

Being able to colour match so expertly must be very satisfying

[@nelltaylor8171]

Amazing restoration. I would have absolutely loved to have seen a side by side comparison at the end, just so that we could see how good it looks now.

[@bananacomnescau]

This was so satisfying to watch! Thank you for recording such amazing work!

[@angelalee2945]

After watching this video I'm now going to need a reaction video on this video by Julian Baumgartner. I definitely want to know what he thinks of all this.

[@oltedders]

I seriously doubt he would critique any but the the most incompetent restoration job. We know that Julian would not have reattached the canvas to the stretcher until he performed the other steps up to prepping for retouching and the actual work of retouching. Additionally he would have put it on his hot table to eliminate the crease caused by the stretcher. I would not have been happy seeing this had I been the client.

[@1959Berre]

Julian has better things to do than to comment on this.

[@Vickie-Bligh]

@@alise4041 I watch another restorer who lives in Europe, learned at a different school than Julian, doesn't have a huge studio like Julian but his methods are near identical to Baumgartner's. Because of the ethics they hold to. Yes, each restorer has their own approach but they all come from the same viewpoint. So, if this made so many people cringe, there is a reason why. Julian isn't the end all, be all. But his ethics are.

[@feralbluee]

that’s Exactly what i want to see. the material he uses over holes is a completely different method. the filler he uses is wood? many other small things are different. love to hear what Julian thinks!! 🤔🙂🌷🌱

[@AdderTude]

@@oltedders The removal of the crease would make the painting look newer and not aged which is against the requested job by the client.

[@Adrian-oz3zg]

The music choices they used for this video were so psychedelic. I loved it!!

[@genevievebailey3566]

That was the most dramatic painting placing I've ever seen

[@latimelord3586]

well.. i was gonna see if anyone KNEW of Baumgartner.. but uh, I see many people have similar feelings as I, glad to know I wasn't alone.

[@diannarizzutto3160]

Great job,so interesting, wish I could have learned to do this when I was younger,not enough time left. So enjoyable.

[@therealgibby]

It's never too late for anything I think

[@UPBEATFOREVER]

You people are right.about how much time you have left.doing something you may want to do before the end of time.at least this is not hardcore physical or cardiovascular work.it seems to be very chill and leisure-like activities!!!it is not Evil Knevil stunts or go bungee jumping off the empire state building.if you have the mentality that you can,then you can!age is not a number like many people would say.in reality everybody will eventually will get old.i say just take it slow to be relaxed in life.there is no problem if you say "yes" or "no" what really matters if you really want to or not in anything in life.despite of the aging human.

[@norhankotb364]

i love how he makes the colors the same as the paiting

[@chelseareynolds3194]

Your work helps people be able to see the painting the way it should be seen

[@jmlfa]

This video gives a totally new meaning to the word "professionally"

[@bobschaaf2549]

I sense your irony.

[@Iloveyoursmile]

8:53 and also how beautiful and detailed the painting is The result is heart dropping.

[@marvthedog1972]

wow the difference is amazing. not sure how i got here but i am impressed with how much a difference it made. the unrestored version there is so much dirt that you cannot see any letters on the paper in the painting. but as soon as he starts, the letters just pop out. Amazing the painter was so detailed to include lettering on the paper he was holding.

[@ritzyrags]

What an amaizing job the restorer did! I had a feeling the guy on the portrait was looking at him saying if you dont bring me back to life like i should be im going to hunt you down! They eyes omgggg the eyes came to life the gold on the trim. Exquisite and delightful to watch

[@marinastankovic6377]

Fantastic eye for colors, and great knowledge of mixing them.

[@user-hk1dq1zy2x]

오래된 그림의 아름다움을 현재에도 선명하게 느낄 수 있다는 게 너무 신기하고 멋지다

[@TheDerangedBlood]

Wow! So exciting to see the painting details of the artist's work. I would love to learn art restoration. What a fascinating job.

[@oneshotme]

I follow Baumgartner Restoration so I see this done often but still enjoy watching others do it when I can find it He's a good follow if you like stuff like this!!!!! Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@IntercontinentalArmy]

I loved getting to do The Restoration on The Mona Lisa. It was very much in the same condition as the art in the video! I had to repair more of the painting though!

[@_weirdos.]

Omg that is so cool! That’s like a once in a life time thing!

[@thedigginggardener]

😂😂😂

[@ryhol5417]

Loved the video. Such a detailed process. Cool to see previous patchups fixed too

[@SophiaAndCoopFNAF1987]

This is literally incredible, the way the paint shades blended so well is incredible, you did a really well job restoring this painting❤

[@CrankyPantss]

That was interesting. I’ll refrain from being one of the pretend experts that the comment section is full of. Watching a few videos from another restoration KZbin channel apparently gives them more technical expertise than an actual professional restoration master. Who knew it was that easy? It was cool to see the before and after comparison. Great job! Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@CausingChaos.]

Cutting off tacking edge isn’t restoring, it’s replacing. Also, there’s a very visible crease on the painting. Wouldn’t have happened if he followed Julian’s restoration to the letter

[@Lovangeline]

@@CausingChaos. who tf is julian

[@CausingChaos.]

@@Lovangeline Baumgartner restoration.

[@Lovangeline]

@@CausingChaos. ah ok

[@Lovangeline]

@@CausingChaos. i am now a fan of baumgartner restoration

[@Iherdit2day]

Beautiful work of art, thank you for sharing. I found it quite relaxing 😌

[@sammair9654]

I think this is a truly a amazing feat. I would love to see you do a QNA for beginners and to answers some of you fan's questions.

[@Kawaiipoptart03]

I love seeing the old varnish being removed and the painting coming to life

[@dianehoward8568]

So glad to see SO many Baumgartner fans!

[@Siansonea]

Wood filler? _WOOD FILLER?_

[@ragnes18]

same... Julian never does this

[@belledobson2007]

I would not be happy with that

[@doughnut_panda]

It's not reversible without powerful solvents that might damage the painting.

[@ashleyfalcon125]

And turpentine to thin the paint… pretty sure it’s oil paint he used as well. Resin paints do not use turpentine. This one gets a huge “Yikes!” from me. :-/

[@lavendelblue4368]

@@ragnes18 . Oh, really? Are you a consevator or your knowledge comes only from Baumagartner? Plenty of conservators use wood filler, moreover, so does Baumgartner, his filler is only combined with white pigment, so it looks white. 90% of fillers are just wood fillers with pigment.

[@aidenayers2486]

He's doing an ASMR I actually enjoy. I must thank him for this masterpiece

[@Evergreen61609]

The painting looks just as good as it does when it was created. Good job!

[@carolmccorry3053]

I loved it, so important to preserve instead of replacing things. It is a noble you service you provide

[@markwalton3706]

Agree with many of the Baumgartner fans here what the actual f was he doing casually scissoring off original canvas from the edges Julian would have spat his tacks!!!!

[@ashleyfalcon125]

Lol yes.

[@rem.mix1]

He's a professional, he knows what he's doing

[@Sharpless2]

see you already wrote down the problem. "Fans". Fanboys and Fangirls. This guy is very much a professional and very much knows what hes doing.

[@ludmyllam2591]

yeah I agree with you guys but every professional has space to learn new stuff, mix new methods to the old ones, that's how Baumgartner is who he is, no one know all

[@ludmyllam2591]

and also, maybe it was the client's choice :) but amazing to see other professionals and your techniques

[@Seshnaga]

Cleaning the face of the painting felt like a tan removing commercial. Beautiful restoration ❤

[@omphilemolefe8035]

Watching Baumgartner then watching this was a bad idea... coz now im conditioned to how he cleans the artwork

[@stillnotspicy]

randomly clicked on this video, wasn't expecting to watch it the whole way through. this is amazing, seriously. The level of dedication to ensuring perfection is well worth it.

[@tysonsanto841]

You should watch Baumgartner Restoration. He's 10x better than this guy.

[@galgulator]

You haven't seen Baumgartner ....

[@Vickie-Bligh]

Baumgartner Restoration and Figueiredo Art Restoration are 2 channels where you will see proper restoration.

[@skyslight]

I stayed here 17 minutes to watch a man fascinate, and teach me from restoring an amazing painting. Good Job man👍!

[@lastmanstanding2622]

I should have watched this video before attempting to restore my painting. I used Ajax and alcohol with a scrub brush. I did a great job restoring the original canvas back to its lustrous white.

[@dt5644]

i absolutely love watching talented people like this. It was a pleasure to watch this man do his craft.

[@user-kw7gv4fj8x]

how any body paints the gold colour this accurately even hundreds of years ago is a mystery to me wow . that is quite awe inspiring

[@NighttimeDaydreams]

I'm not gonna lie, I started to tear up when I thought about how grateful and astonished the artist would be upon learning that their artwork, having been neglected and largely forgotten for so many years, was so carefully and wonderfully restored. If I was a dead artist, I think that would be the best gift anyone could possibly give me.

[@praveenp1369]

Bejan Dovegal aythu adm ko

[@silvialittlewolf]

Interesting video! I love to see how different restorators approach a painting and complete the whole process. Excellent work!

[@toggtlas7099]

"This stage cannot be rushed" *Proceeds to rush through the process in a way that would make Baumgartner cry* 😱

[@user-cm6nn1ot9y]

Преклоняюсь перед эими людьми. Какой кропотливый труд! Реставраторы для меня - это что-то недостижимое! Просто восхищен!

[@returnofmerenguespersempre6664]

This is actually amazing. My jaw dropped at 17:05

[@CrystalShaman]

That painting is magnificent...And the restoration brilliant!...bravo!!!...🙏✨

[@Divertedflight]

I was surprised by the lack of rebate on the stretcher. I found that painting on this type of stretcher in years past was unacceptable. The brush strokes leave a line mark as they leave or arrive at where the stretcher ends underneath. I suppose adding a rebate strip after the fact would hint at the requirement of more linen to the edge as there would now be bare wood exposed by the newly wider sides.

[@kittenpounce]

I've never seen any of his other videos, so feel free to correct me, but he did mention the person who owns the painting wanted it to keep an old-ish look. So, maybe that's why?

[@AdderTude]

@@kittenpounce Too many people here seem to have forgotten or otherwise ignored what the client originally requested, and want original restoration as some other guy's channel does. As far as the above video said, it's a privately-owned piece, not a museum item.

[@hidden-cat400]

@@invalleria It's not just this problem on video. The guy doesn't even have tongs for stretching the canvas, not to mention the fact that the conservation of the canvas has not been completed. And where, instead of professional gesso, wood priming is used, I have already begun to laugh.

[@soniamartins9472]

Meu senhor, esse trabalho não tem preço!!!!! Esse talento é divino e o senhor aproveitou e desenvolveu muito bem. Parabéns e muito sucesso!!

[@strider_hiryu850]

when the closing track was getting more dramatic, and the true color underneath revealed; i actually started to tear up a little.