The conservation of Flowers in a Glass Vase by Jacob van Walscapelle (1667)

Over time discolouration had diminished the beauty of this important oil painting. Find out how our conservation team transformed the work, restoring its true vibrancy.

Flowers in a Glass Vase (1667) is the earliest-known signed work by the Dutch artist Jacob van Walscapelle. This striking still life explores the theme of transience, depicting a bouquet of fast-fading flowers. Ironically, the beauty of the painting itself had started to fade, as it had not been treated since it arrived at the Museum in 1900. Over time the original varnish had become discoloured, changing our perception of the colours.

Watch the video to discover how our conservation team have transformed the painting through a major treatment programme, bringing to light previous treatments, carefully reattaching paint flakes and removing and replacing the yellow varnish.

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Flowers in a Glass Vase is now on display in our Paintings galleries, Room 81