The hidden secrets beneath a 19th-century ruler's royal portrait
In short: Watch Senior Conservator Laura Ledwina restore an imposing Iranian royal portrait. This process reveals more than just surface damage; it uncovers historical alterations and the visual language of power used by a 19th-century monarch.
The painting depicts Fath 'Ali Shah Qajar, a ruler of Iran who commissioned this massive work in 1810. Standing at 233.9cm high, the portrait utilizes gold, jewels, and thousands of pearls to project an image of masculine power and splendor.
Using infrared and RTI imaging, conservators identified previous restoration efforts and a potential 'nose job.' The technology revealed the shadow of a second nostril, suggesting that overpaint may have been used to alter the Shah's facial features.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Conservation: dramatic transformation of a huge royal portrait
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