Cleaning Isack van Ostade's 'Village Fair'

In this film, we follow the work of our conservation team over a number of months as they treat a painting by Isack van Ostade.

During a full conservation treatment, the first time the painting had been worked on since 1903, a surprising discovery suggested that the painting had been altered at this time to avoid offending Edwardian sensibilities. 

The painting had discoloured varnish layers and old overpaints removed before being revarnished, retouched and prepared for display.

Learn more about the treatment here.

Swipe the image below to see the before and after of the conservation treatment. Can you spot the figure that has been revealed in a somewhat compromising position?