Berthe Morisot: Conserving Impressionist Paintings at the CMA

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The Cleveland Museum of Art

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• Date Tuesday, July 02, 2024
• Time 12:00PM - 1:00PM
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Discover the cultural gem of University Circle at the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA). Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of artistic history and innovation. Established in 1913, the museum has been a cornerstone of our vibrant community for over... more

Join CMA staff for a quick bite of art history. Every first Tuesday of each month, hear from curators, conservators, scholars, and other museum staff for 30-minute talks on objects currently on display in the museum galleries.

Join the CMA's assistant conservator of paintings, Julianna Ly, as she discusses the recent treatment of Berthe Morisot’s Reading (1873), which was featured in the very first Impressionist exhibition in 1874. The treatment focused on removing layers of discolored, yellowed varnish coatings and thick, old restoration paint from the surface. During this process, remnants of former coatings, previously hidden, were revealed, raising the question: did Morisot initially intend this painting to be varnished? Through comparative research and analytical techniques, Ly discusses the complex, decision-making strategies paintings conservators use to present a painting and surface that honors the original intent of the artist.