Entrevistas restauración "El Calvario" de Rogier Van der Weyden

The Impressive Calvary of Roger Van Der Weyden

Overview of the Artwork

• The impressive "Calvary" by Roger Van Der Weyden is noted for its originality and monumental size, making it a unique piece in the artist's oeuvre.

• It likely arrived in Spain with King Philip II in August 1559, initially housed at the Valsaín Palace as the main altar of a chapel before moving to El Escorial in 1567.

Conservation Challenges

• Over nearly 500 years, various movements and difficulties have led to significant conservation issues requiring modern restoration efforts.

• A 2011 agreement between Museo del Prado and national heritage authorities allowed for an in-depth technical study and restoration of the artwork, revealing worse conditions than previously thought.

Restoration Process

• The painting had suffered from structural fragility; upon arrival at Prado, it underwent initial interventions that caused internal tensions leading to new cracks.

• After cleaning, it was observed that apart from a central crack near Christ's knee dividing the support into two halves, all panels were significantly separated.

Techniques Used in Restoration

• A technique involving U-shaped incisions close to the paint preparation was employed to insert wedge-shaped pieces for reinforcing fractures.

• Missing materials removed during previous reinforcements were reinserted with small pieces, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.

Final Adjustments and Innovations

• A stable yet flexible frame was designed to accommodate three-dimensional movements of the artwork; over 500 custom pieces were created for precise fitting.

• The connection system used nylon screws for flexibility while maintaining strength—a novel approach not previously utilized in such restorations.

Artistic Context of Roger Van Der Weyden

Renaissance Influence

• Van Der Weyden is recognized as a precursor to Renaissance art despite being a 15th-century artist from the Netherlands; his work embodies concepts typical of this artistic movement.

• His "Calvary" is one of three principal works within his artistic corpus alongside "Descent from the Cross" at Museo del Prado and "Triptych of Miraflores."