Discover published sets by community

In the 1970s, Mark Rothko's Harvard Murals suffered light damage. A recent conservation project used a novel lighting technique to project 'compensating' colors, revealing what the murals would have looked like before fading.

Rome's Colosseum has undergone several restoration phases to strengthen its structure and clean surfaces. These actions have increased the monument's lifespan, allowing for more extensive archaeological research and improved tourist experiences.

In the 1930s, the British Museum controversially cleaned the Parthenon sculptures, known as the Elgin Marbles, using methods that caused surface damage. Later analysis led to changes in conservation philosophy towards less invasive techniques.

Spain's Alhambra underwent countless restoration efforts to preserve its walls, sculptures, and tiles. The intricate work focused on historical accuracy and utilized traditional methods, improving the understanding of Islamic art restoration.

Ongoing preservation approaches for the Dead Sea Scrolls include controlled environments and imaging technology for reading fragments without further damage. The efforts enable the study of these ancient texts and prevent further deterioration.

The Rijksmuseum undertook the cleaning and restoration of Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch.' It involved the careful removal of discolored varnish and the repair of previous restoration failures, resulting in a clearer representation of Rembrandt's intended lighting.

The Ajanta Caves' frescoes in India, affected by time and tourism, benefitted from careful preservation work that balanced moisture control and minimally invasive cleaning to maintain the integrity of the ancient artworks.

Rodin's 'The Burghers of Calais' underwent restoration to clean corrosion and apply a protective wax layer. The work conserved Rodin's intentional patina and protected the outdoor sculpture from further environmental damage.

The Museum of Modern Art implemented conservation efforts on Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' to maintain its structural and aesthetic integrity. Successful outcomes included stabilizing flaking paint and ongoing preventive conservation.

After a flood at The Andy Warhol Museum, a major conservation effort was necessary for Warhol's 'Marilyn Monroe' series. Treatments focused on reducing water damage and treating mold, and helped refine disaster recovery practices in art conservation.

The Getty Conservation Institute worked on Tutankhamun's tomb to address environmental and tourism-related damage. Efforts included micro-climate control and treatment of wall paintings, preserving the site for future generations.

In Egypt's Valley of the Queens, Nefertari's tomb underwent an extensive restoration process to address water damage. The project, with Getty Conservation Institute's involvement, stabilized the tomb's paintings and showcased improved preservation methods.

Stolen during WWII and later recreated, the Amber Room at Catherine Palace in Russia was an immense challenge in art restoration, combining historical research with meticulous craftsmanship to approximate the original's grandeur.

The Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers underwent extensive conservation to reverse yellowing varnish and reveal its original vibrant colors. The detailed process was instrumental in understanding early Netherlandish painting techniques.

Overseen by Pinin Brambilla Barcilon, the restorative work on Leonardo Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' took over 20 years, concluding in 1999. The project was notable for its painstaking removal of previous restoration attempts, revealing more original details.

The conservation of Jackson Pollock's 'Number 1, 1949' at MOCA Los Angeles dealt with cleaning the surface and addressing a complex network of cracks. The process involved microscopic color matching and resulted in the preservation of Pollock's original technique.

Papyri scrolls from Herculaneum, carbonized by the eruption of Vesuvius, have been painstakingly unrolled and conserved. Digital imaging and advanced techniques allow for reading the scrolls without destroying them further.

The Gates of Paradise, part of the Florence Baptistry, underwent conservation to address air pollution and previous improper restorations. The cleaning and protective measures restored the doors' original luster and ensured long-term preservation.

The Lindow Man, a preserved bog body in the British Museum, has undergone conservation treatments to manage its delicate condition. Work focused on humidity control and careful monitoring to prevent the decomposition of organic materials.

The Mogao Caves near Dunhuang, China, with their ancient Buddhist art, have experienced conservation efforts aimed at controlling environmental damage and ensuring the site's stability, while maintaining accessibility to researchers and the public.

The Pergamon Museum undertook careful renovation of the Ishtar Gate's vibrant glazed bricks. The restoration emphasized cleaning and integrating new pieces that were missing or damaged while respecting the integrity of the original Babylonian structure.

Once considered lost, Caravaggio's 'The Taking of Christ' was restored after its rediscovery in Dublin. The work cleared centuries of discolored varnish and replaced lost sections, which enhanced details and depth in the composition.

The restoration of Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel aimed to remove centuries of grime and restore original color. Outcomes included vibrant frescoes with debated changes to their perceived depth and detail.

The Uffizi Galleries undertook a restoration project for Botticelli's 'Adoration of the Magi', which involved cleaning and filling in losses. This led to a refreshed appearance that brought new attention to Botticelli's underdrawing and technique.