How do conservators look at works of art?
What do they see that we don't?
videos + essays
![The conservator’s eye: a stained glass Adoration of the Magi](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Hemmel-Adoration-of-the-Magi-thumb-570x350.jpg)
The conservator’s eye: a stained glass Adoration of the Magi
Flashed or stained? Discover the historical techniques required to produce—and restore—this vibrant glass painting.
![The conservator’s eye: <em>Madame Cézanne in the Conservatory</em>](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/madame-cezanne-570x350.jpg)
The conservator’s eye: Madame Cézanne in the Conservatory
Cézanne left graphite lines visible and ground open on this canvas, granting us access to his working process.
![The conservator’s eye: Rembrandt, <em>Aristotle with a Bust of Homer</em>](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/aristtophalf-copy-570x350.jpg)
The conservator’s eye: Rembrandt, Aristotle with a Bust of Homer
What lies beneath the surface? Research into a “crusty” buildup of paint reveals Rembrandt’s editing process.
![The conservator’s eye: Taddeo Gaddi, Saint Julian](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Taddeo-Gaddi-Saint-Julian-thumb-570x350.jpg)
The conservator’s eye: Taddeo Gaddi, Saint Julian
Monks and nuns removed candle soot from this painting using urine and lye, but its gold background never tarnished.
![The conservator’s eye: Anselm Kiefer, <em>Bohemia Lies by the Sea</em>](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kiefer-Bohemia-Lies-by-the-Sea-thumb-570x350.jpg)
The conservator’s eye: Anselm Kiefer, Bohemia Lies by the Sea
Is this a painting or a relief sculpture? Unclear. Whatever it is, Kiefer’s landscape is falling apart.