The paintings will first be renovated and then exhibited at a spectacular exhibition on the time and life of Karel Škréta, which starts in November. Apart from the main painting of The Ascension of the Virgin Mary, two paintings from the side altars are concerned – The Annunciation of Virgin Mary and the Holy Family and two other paintings God the Father and the Holy Trinity.
Painting as a carpet
When the restorers and the National Gallery employees were taking out the most valuable painting from the Týn Collection, it looked more like moving of a carpet. The painting measuring 437 x 265 cm was taken off its frame, carefully put into a wrap and rolled onto a carpet roll. “There’s nothing strange about it, even Škréta moved his paintings in this way or else they were painted on spot,” said Vít Vlnas from the National Gallery.
Damaging sun
Thanks to the exhibition, the altar painting of the Ascension of Virgin Mary will see its renovation. Last time it had been renovated was more than forty years ago. The painting needs renovation as it has been damaged by the sun which penetrates to the Church of Our Lady before Týn. The Chief Curator of the exhibition, Petr Kuthan, said that when the painting is returned, the back side of the altar will have to be altered in such a way that the sun cannot damage it from the back side.
Gloves as well as screw driver and drill
Restorers and the National Gallery employees worked in the church from eight in the morning. Restorers were dressed in white overalls and all of them had white gloves so that the painting did not get damaged. However, when the painting of the Ascension of Virgin Mary was put on the floor, it was a time for screw drivers to take out nails from the frame. When other paintings were being taken down, the church resonated with the sound of accumulative drills.
Two months to renovate
It will now take two months to renovate the paintings. The reproductions that replaced the originals are interesting in such a way that they show details of the paintings better. Škréta’s exhibition will be held in Prague Castle Riding School and will present some 400 exhibits, mostly paintings, not only by Škréta but also those that will set Škréta into a European context. There might also be a number of revelations, as for instance, at present Škréta’s date of birth has been questioned and it seems that he was not born in 1610 but two years earlier. Other revelations will be summarized at the exhibition and in a publication on Škréta, which is now under preparation.
Description of the Ascension of Virgin Mary
The painting is thought to have been created in 1649 on spot, as it usually is the case with large pieces of art. “The atmosphere of the painting is very dramatic, which is further emphasised by colours. It is divided into two spheres - earthly and heavenly,” Vít Vlnas from the NG described the painting. The earthly part depicts apostles around the empty grave of the Virgin Mary. Their faces show surprise and curiosity and the amazement when they see the angels taking Virgin Mary to heaven. There is another painting over this one, which is a part of it and depict the Holy Trinity welcoming Virgin Mary in heaven.
