Skip to Main Content

 Admission is always freeOpen today: 10:00  to 5:00  Directions             Play Artle            

                  -  Visit                      - Visit
                    - Getting Here
                    - Accessibility
                    - Tours, Guides & Maps
                    - Food & Drink
                    - Gallery Shops
                    - Visitor Policies 
                  -  Collection                      - Collection
                    - Highlights
                    - Search the Collection
                    - Artists Search
                    - Acquisition Highlights
                    - Stories
                    - Games 
                  -  Exhibitions                      - Exhibitions
                    - Current
                    - Special Installations
                    - Upcoming
                    - On Tour
                    - Past 
                  -  Calendar                      - Calendar
                    - Films
                    - Performances
                    - Talks
                    - Guided Tours
                    - After Hours
                    - Fun for Kids
                    - Festivals
                    - Workshops 
                  -  Learn                      - Learn
                    - Teachers
                    - Families
                    - Teens
                    - Adults
                    - Learning Resources
                    - Music Programs
                    - Film Programs 
                  -  Conservation                      - Conservation
                    - Projects
                    - Publications
                    - Resources 
                  -  Research                      - Research
                    - The Center
                    - Publications
                    - Make an Appointment
                    - Archives
                    - Library
                    - NGA Online Editions 
                  -  Support                      - Support
                    - Donate Now
                    - National Membership
                    - Circle Membership
                    - Leadership Groups
                    - Planned Giving
                    - Major Giving
                    - Gifts of Art 
                  -  Shop                      - Shop
                    - Books
                    - Jewelry
                    - Apparel & Accessories
                    - Kids
                    - NGA Custom Prints 
                  -  Play Artle

Home>Research>Library>Image Collections>Revelations from Reproductions>Andrea del Castagno

IntroductionMazziere brothersMasaccioAntonello da MessinaVittore CarpaccioAndrea del CastagnoSandro Botticelli          Neroccio de’ LandiPier Francesco Fiorentino

                  - Andrea del Castagno
                  - Italian , 1419 - 1457

                  - Andrea del Castagno
                  - Portrait of a Man
                  - c. 1450

Andrea del Castagno (before 1419 – 1457)*Portrait of a Man*c. 1450, tempera on wood, Andrew W. Mellon Collection, 1937.1.17

Before restoration. Photograph: unknown, before 1934, silver gelatin print

 

 

This innovative quattrocento portrait is documented to have been “much injured” by c.1885. This photograph shows it after an undocumented 19th-century restoration. Note the considerable cracking in the face and the gem-encrusted ring.

Before restoration. Considerable cracking in face and ring

After 1934–1935 restoration. Photograph: Eugene Brenwasser, c. 1935, silver gelatin print

The painting was offered for sale by M. Knoedler & Co. in 1935 after it was restored by Louis de Wild between 1934 and 1935. De Wild smoothed out the face and obscured the distracting crackle. Additionally, the gem on the ring was scraped off, or perhaps previously damaged, and this loss covered by a plain gold band.

Current state. Photograph: National Gallery of Art

The current state of the painting reflects the 1940 restoration by Kress Foundation restorer Stephen Pichetto. Past retouches, such as the inpainted crack at the sitter’s left shoulder, have since discolored and now read as brown instead of a brilliant red.

                - Next section: Botticelli

### Stay connected

Learn more about our exhibitions, news, programs, and special offers.

About
          - About the National Gallery
          - Stories
          - Press
          - FAQs
          - Contact Us

Plan a Visit
          - Getting Here
          - Accessibility
          - Today's Tours
          - Food & Drink
          - Calendar
          - Downloadable Map

Get Involved
          - Donate
          - Membership
          - Volunteer
          - Opportunities
          - Shop Online

Resources
          - Search the Collection
          - Conservation
          - Library
          - Archives
          - The Center
          - Film Programs
          - Music Programs
          - Audio/Video
          - Open Access Images

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

**West Building**6th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter or exit from Constitution Avenue, 4th Street, or 7th Street. The Madison Drive entrance is currently closed.*

**East Building**4th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 4th Street.*

**Sculpture Garden**7th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 7th Street, Constitution Avenue, or Madison Drive.*

We are closed on December 25 and January 1.

*The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity.*

          -  Twitter 
          -  Facebook 
          -  Instagram 
          -  Pinterest 
          -  YouTube 

© 2024 National Gallery of Art   Notices   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy