The CMA Solution

Detail of lantern with overpaint removed	During a recent cleaning of the painting to replace the deteriorated varnish layer, conservator Kenneth Bé completely removed the overpaint and minimally retouched the small areas of damage to disguise them. The artist's original treatment of the flame was revealed as vigorous and the light more intense, as a result dramatic effects are now apparent that had been hidden for more than 40 years by the heavy overpaint of the earlier restoration.
Detail from lower window of lantern before treatment		Detail from lower window of lantern after treatment
The restoration of such a small detail in this nocturnal painting has had a profound influence on the overall appearance of the painting because the lantern light was the only source of light in the composition. In the works of Georges de la Tour, light is used as the means to achieve a profound spiritual resonance. By restoring the original quality of the lantern in this composition, the mood and balance of the light originally intended by the artist is once again fully visible.

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