Dictionnaire historique des restaurateurs
Tableaux et oeuvres sur papier, Paris, 1750 - 1950
Auteur(s) : Nathalie Volle, Béatrice Lauwick, Isabelle Cabillic (dir.)
Often overlooked in the history of art, there were nearly a thousand conservators practising in Paris between 1750 and 1950. The former date marks the emergence of the discipline, whilst the latter signifies a transformation of the profession, coinciding with the establishment of the first specialist institutes in Europe.
This historical dictionary of restorers of paintings and works on paper sheds new light on art history by highlighting the essential role of the restorer: it is they who, using the technical means and aesthetic criteria of their time, ensured the survival of painted, drawn or printed works of art. The book is divided into two parts: one historical, describing the role of the restorer in the service of heritage collections, and the other listing the practitioners who identify with this profession.
For each restorer, a biographical entry details their family connections, training, major projects, working methods, collaborations and any writings.
