Woman destroys 19th century fresco

BuzzieCat

Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2008
Messages
882
Reaction score
16
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/...19th-century-fresco-with-DIY-restoration.html

But in a time of austerity, rather than calling in a professional to complete the job, the unnamed woman attempted to restore the mural herself – at a devastating cost.

The article includes pictures of before and after. Ugh!

http://todayentertainment.today.com...eur-artist-messes-up-century-old-artwork?lite

While Martinez's work was not considered especially valuable, the BBC reports that the painter's granddaughter had just donated a sum of money to restore the peeling image. Apparently the helpful would-be artist took it upon herself to get involved without knowing that, but if she had just waited, the work would have been fixed properly.
 

jjenny

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2009
Messages
31,939
Reaction score
48,989
Didn't anybody see this elderly lady doing this? It was a beautiful painting, now it looks like something done by a five year old.
 

LEFT-COASTER

Not to worry, I got the squirrels cornered
Joined
Nov 14, 2008
Messages
701
Reaction score
0
i know i couldnt believe anyone would do that.. its horrible.
 

jjenny

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2009
Messages
31,939
Reaction score
48,989
I can't stop laughing after looking at the "restored" painting.
 

BuzzieCat

Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2008
Messages
882
Reaction score
16
It's definitely hard to believe that she could do this and no one would notice until she had ruined it! It was a nice painting until she got hold of it!
 

Yoda

Master
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
6,017
Reaction score
27
I am just picturing a nice old grandma saying "oh dear, what a shame. I'll just go back home, get my paints, and fix that right up."

I can only hope the Shroud of Turin is under lock and key in case she vacations in Italy and tries to help by washing it. ;)
 

LaLaw2000

Louisiana
Joined
Jul 7, 2008
Messages
12,501
Reaction score
1,638
LOL, Yoda! She would be just the type to think the Shroud of Turin needed a good washing and bleaching!

The destruction of that painting is so sad. Whatever her intentions, it is now a disaster.

MOO
 

wfgodot

Former Member
Joined
Mar 4, 2009
Messages
30,167
Reaction score
579
Finally! A painting about which I can honestly say, "I could have done better." (Mine would have been a stick-figure Jesus, waving, but that still would be better.)
 

Donjeta

Adji Desir, missing from Florida
Joined
Mar 11, 2009
Messages
19,246
Reaction score
442
If at first you don't succeed art restoration isn't for you.
 

amandab

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2004
Messages
3,001
Reaction score
1,438
I wonder if anyone can re-restore it?
 

jjenny

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2009
Messages
31,939
Reaction score
48,989
I wonder if anyone can re-restore it?

I am not optimistic. It wasn't in that good a shape before she started "restoring" it. But I guess we will have to wait an see.
 

katydid23

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2011
Messages
64,614
Reaction score
202,183
I cannot even bring myself to look at it after the descriptions...lol
 

elfie

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2008
Messages
1,381
Reaction score
113
It would be really sad if it wasn't so funny!

:floorlaugh:

Still I hope it can be removed and restored properly. I hope the town gives the poor woman a break, I'm sure she did have the best of intentions.
 
Top