Lately, I find that when I read, see or hear about something interesting, I’ve gotten into the habit of wondering whether or not it would make for a great program at the Library. Such was the case recently when I received an email from the Chicago Art Institute announcing an upcoming lecture on the restoration of the masterpiece by Gustave Caillebotte, Paris Street; Rainy Day.
What was supposed to be a routine cleaning of the painting turned into an opportunity of a lifetime for conservator, Faye Wrubel and the Art Institute. A closer look by Wrubel uncovered hidden details about the artist’s original vision along with new information about the impressionist painting that had been buried under decades of varnish. The result– an even more beautiful masterpiece if that’s possible.
I wasn’t able to attend the lecture, but that didn’t stop me from emailing the Art Institute and asking if they’d consider presenting the program at the Library. The next day I had my answer. “Yes, we’d love to.”
We hope you’ll attend “Paris Street; Rainy Day”: The Transformation of an Impressionist Icon on Thursday, October 23 @ 7pm. Need more convincing? Watch the video clip below of Faye Wrubel talking us through the restoration process.
