Restoring a Masterpiece: The Conservation of ‘Autumn Garden’

After 18 months of painstaking work, our conservation team has completed the restoration of “Autumn Garden” (1923), one of the most beloved paintings in our permanent collection.

The restoration revealed surprising details hidden beneath decades of yellowed varnish, including a previously invisible figure in the background and more vibrant colors than the painting had displayed in over 50 years.

The Process

Lead conservator Dr. Isabel Mendez used a combination of traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology, including infrared reflectography and X-ray fluorescence analysis, to understand the painting’s original appearance before beginning restoration.

The restored painting will return to Gallery 12 in its permanent home on February 15th.