Restoration of Jordaens' masterpiece open for public viewing in Antwerp

14 February 2025

Restoration on one of Jacob Jordaens' masterpieces has begun at the Snijders&Rockoxhuis museum in Antwerp and will be open to the public. The Saint James' Church, where the work usually hangs, is also undergoing restoration.

St. James' Church, renowned for the burial chapel of Rubens, has been undergoing extensive restoration since 2019. As part of this effort, its valuable artworks are also receiving careful treatment. This year, Jordaens' The Appointment of Peter as Chief Shepherd of the Church is the focus, with restoration expected to take approximately five months.

Restorers Caroline Meert, Sara Dewilde and Kaat Sneiders will be working in an open studio within the Snijders&Rockoxhuis. A fitting setting, considering the adjacent homes of mayor and art collector Nicolaas Rockox and painter Frans Snijders, contemporaries of Jordaens.

Restoration process

The restoration process involves removing surface dirt, eliminating old layers of varnish and discoloured retouches, applying new fillings, retouching gaps and wear and finally, applying a fresh layer of varnish.

"It is very important that Jordaens' work does not disappear into a studio for five months, but that every Antwerp resident can come and discover this fascinating restoration process," says alderman for Culture Lien Van de Kelder (Vooruit). "Because art is there to be experienced, preferably by as many people as possible."

After restoration, the monumental painting will remain in the museum until the end of the year before returning to its rightful place in St. James' Church.

Studio Rubens - Episode 4.The Varnish Removal

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Meanwhile, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) has also been offering the public an opportunity to observe restorers at work in Studio Rubens. The restoration of Peter Paul Rubens' gigantic altarpiece Enthroned Madonna Adored by Saints is on display until September 2025.

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