Finishing the Unfinished
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 มี.ค. 2024
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Does an artist ever truly finish a painting, or is there just a bit more than can be added, slightly refined and pushed further. It's an interesting debate and one that adds depth to the artwork. But when a painting's damage interferes with our ability to view the piece, we're robbed of that debate. For this darling portrait of a child that rings true and the way to that debate is by finishing the unfinished.
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Like strip linen, I too tend to hang around in a drawer for years long past the time I might be considered useful
Me, too 🙂
Angelique, I don’t know you but I’m pretty sure that the people who do, would strongly disagree. We never know how far the ripples of our existence will extend.
And like those tacking edges, I'm tattered and barely hanging on. 🙁
You never know your true worth. My mum was passing and she asked me why everyone she hadn't seen in years were visiting her. I said, mum at some point in your life you have made an impact in theirs. They come to say thank you and goodbye 😢
@@lauriivey7801 twins! 😃
My favorite thing to do is watch one of your videos before bed, but the issue with that is your voice is so relaxing I get knocked out 10 minutes in & it takes me 2-3 business days to finish 1 video 😂
Totally worth it.
I notice that there are (except for damage) no areas of unfinished canvas, the paint extends to the borders of the canvas. I believe the "unfinished" aspect is symbolic of the boy - unfinished - not yet grown. Beautiful and full of possibilities. We are left to imagine both subject and painting finished. So, I vote for: the painting is finished exactly how the artist wanted us to see it.
I like that interpetation of the piece, although we can never know if that's how the artist themself thought of it.
This interpretation makes so much sense! The painting seems very beautiful and intentional to me.
After watching all of the Baumgartner Restoration, strangely this painting is one of the ones I have felt most apealing out of them all. And some have been stunning!
But somehow, not sure why, this one really calls to me.
@Selieca I fully agree. I'm not an art type person, and while I love watching Julien none of the pieces really spoke to me the way this one seems too. It says to me, we're all a little unfinished.
I agree. Julian said it was varnished, so that leads me to believe it was finished, in the artist's eyes.
whether the unfinished nature is intentional on the artist’s part or not, i think it tracks really well with the painting being a child - i remember at around that age feeling very unfinished, incomplete, plenty of room to figure out who i was. it’s a nice synergy
I would love to see a fake episode set 60 years a head, about someone complaining about how antiquated (your current methods are) the way the last conservators methods were.
I was just thinking that! Like, in a hundred years, is some future conservator going to be aghast that the original strainer was cut down instead of being impregnated with some kind of special archival resin that's been developed since then to stabilize it so it could be completely reused? 😂
@@thechellenator In the far future, where lasers and tech magic rule, there will be some archivist hunched over a painting muttering about chalk fillers.
Not to be "that guy", but that's already somewhat the case. Rather than learn the most current methods and ideologies from a conservation school, Julian first learned everything from his father and as such many of his techniques or approaches are upwards of 50 years out of date. He has gotten better with a lot of it (just look at the first videos he posted, some major differences should stand out), but there are some things such as his disregard for keeping original stretchers intact or referring to things as fully reversable when that's not entirely true that still continue to this day and garner a lot of not invalid criticism of his work.
Granted, that's part of his business model. He's someone who will do certain types of work that more "modern" conservationists would refuse to, meaning anyone who really wants things done a specific way are drawn to him. And he at least knows how to do minimal additional damage than what is inherent to said types of work where others who might try it could completely destroy a piece.
I am pretty sure in 60, 100 years that painting and many others will be burned on a bonfire, unfortunately
@@Roger44477 I've only just gotten into watching art restoration channels on YT. Can you recommend others that use more modern techniques?
Come on Julian, give the patch guy some credit. Gauze is much better than solid patch that would telegraph and it was frayed along the edges. Not to mention they used an appropriate glue that was reversible. After seeing so many gigantic, thick patches glued on with PVA glue, I was rather happy to see that one.
I had the same thought.
Julian does not acknowledge any work as good aside his own
And the over paint wasn’t even that bad by comparison. We have seen much worse.
As much as I like Julian's work, there are definitely things that annoy me and that's one of them. No one else's work is good even if they did everything right, provenance only matters where he says it does, etc. Not to mention the times where what he says doesn't match what he does, such as when you can see paint flaking off when he's handling a canvas too fast/roughly but it gets no mention, meanwhile he talks about how much care he is giving to avoid any additional damage.
@@Roger44477I sadly have to agree
Doesn't matter how many times I watch you do, in essence, the same things over and over, it doesn't get old. It's awesome watching you use your tools in slightly different ways to solve the problems you're presented with.
Also love how he explains the same things and the process every time like is the first time you see his videos (for many people it is!). It could be the 50th time he explains how a hot table works, and I won't get bored 😂
Thank god for this type of content on TH-cam. There is so much nonsense out there, with influencers pushing products, or those horrible auditor channels where the content makers only goal is to trigger people, that I start to lose faith in humanity. But then I come across content like this and I realize that without platforms like TH-cam I would never get to see Julian do his work and never come to appreciate the true art of restoration. Please keep up the videos and creating your content Julian!
I love this channel for the reasons you stated. I also follow a guy who takes care of cow hooves, an old Japanese man who paints in watercolour and an old lady who cooks. Wholesome content ❤
All of the pauses in the narration when there’s a satisfying peeling/ other asmr sound are greatly appreciated
I saw the gauze patch and thought, “Oh, some conservator has used strands of Belgian linen. Nice job old conservator!”
Is there such a thing as Belgian gauze??? 😂
I'm glad I wasn't the only one, in fact when I first saw the patch my first thought was how long have they been bridging canvas. until he pointed out that it was just gauze on wax, but still, ahead of its time?
Your eye for mixing color never ceases to amaze me.
Watching you and Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration with a cup of Earl Grey is my favorite way to start the day. You both have a very calm demeanor, your knowledge and skills are second to none, and the final result is always spectacular.
I think that it’s really beautiful that it’s been left unfinished, I know it’s going to be in tiptop shape after Julian’s restoration
Totally agree, the unfinished touch is definitly the soul of this painting. Looks mysterious and modern in a way.
My guess is that the youngster who modeled for the work was only available for a short time and the artist focused on the head and ended up with some of the body in a more sketchy, unfinished state. I know some portrait painters and this happens pretty frequently. Lovely job as always Julian. ❤
We can speculate and debate as to who, what, and when, but one thing I can tell you most models were family members and friends especially in the early 1840's France, which is when this painting was done.
Nothing is more satisfying than seeing old varnish cleaned from skin tones and seeing the delicate colors the artist originally intended.
I see you as a healer of art. You take a piece of art that is either injured or dying and you, with your healing hand, feel the energy of either the artist or the subject and heal it back to health. What a gift you have. I look forward to every video!
Yes! Even just the removing of the varnish is like bathing a person in a warm healing bath, young or old, who has been gently saved from a cold, damp, dirt-filled alley (likely the only home he or she can remember) and restoring them with gentle hope. Little do they know, they-upon removal from the soothing bath-are soon to be tenderly wrapped in a warm, soft towel and be lovingly and respectfully tended to. Every need met, every longing fulfilled, every pain or discomfort soothed by the gentle soul who chose to set a loving gaze upon this lost soul and restore dignity and comfort to its very being. Thank you, Julian. You are truly a remarkable energy in this world. ❤
Unfortunately the video impression of the finished product doesn't give it justice, in person it is truly remarkable, Julian is a true healer of art
Even just the process of removing the varnish is akin to gently assisting to bathe and cleanse a poor soul who had collapsed in a forgotten alley, far away from anything familiar and comforting. And then you tenderly wrap them in a gentle warming towel, softer than any fabric he or she had ever felt, and slowly and respectfully encourage them back to taking on their own strength of existence.
I watch every one of your videos however I never comment. But there is something about the music you chose for the cleaning process that just really hit me differently and really accentuates the beauty of the process in a completely different way from normal. Its so weird cause it kind of made me emotionally in a way. I love all of your videos but I just wanted to tell you how special that moment felt for me. Thank you for all your hard work ❤
“The canvas is a little bit threadbare”
Understatement of the year 😂
This is a very interesting work. The unfinished nature of the work is clearly a choice, and not simply an interruption. The expression/attitude of the child is also unusual, and a bit unsettling. It makes me wonder if the child died, and the unfinished portrait is a reflection of the unfinished life.
The childs expression gives me a weird feeling; did the he refuse to finish the sitting because he felt uncomfortable? His cheeks are very pink, and you can barely see the whites of his eyes. I personally think it's very beautiful, but I would not want it on my wall every day with the hint of coercion it gives me...
@@gl15col I agree that this is not a picture that I would want to look at every day, though it is both beautiful and intriguing.
And the child appears to be nude, also...
His music selection for all the cleaning part of all his videos are just exquisite! Flawless! I think the cleaning part is my favourite. I'm utterly obsessed!
Julian watching you work always fills my soul with peace. Thank you for the incredible gift you give all of us.
For the first time in my life I've managed to watch an entire Baumgartner video without falling asleep... whoa, dunno how, but I'm proud of myself!
Michaelangelo's "Prisoners" were unfinished but you could see what he wanted to release . Here you have released this unfinished painting so that future generations can appreciate and enjoy it.
One of the more beautiful paintings I've seen you work on it's really peaceful and Serene.
This reminds me of some sculptures I have seen where it starts out rough and without form at the bottom and rises into a beautifully elegant work.
I cannot be the only person who would love to see videos on all those paintings lining the walls.
Thanks for all you do. We love your work!
I haven’t watched your videos in a while and watching this video reminds me again why I love watching it. Your narrative and sense of humor is definitely my favorite part
You never fail to impress me with the reverence you approach each painting and the dignity that is in your nature now a natural part of the finished product. Its heartwarming.
i need julian to read sleep stories or something because his voice helps me sleep, i have to rewatch videos bc i use them to sleep sometimes
I love these longer videos! Thank you for not forgetting about us!!
I am always thrilled when there is a new Julian vlog. And … I never stop marvelling at the miraculous transformations Julian constantly is able to perform. I love watching how he gets those colours Absotively perfect every time. Than you, Julian!
It’s a beautiful portrait but it makes me uncomfortable. To me, the child looks sad and too vulnerable. I imagine him sitting, half naked as he was being studied and I want to wrap him up and take him out of that situation. I hope his life was better than I’m imagining. 😢
Agree. Half naked prepubescent boy in today’s world is not a comfortable situation.
"She" was sold by a gallery in Paris and was listed as a "study of a young girl" , the marking on the back of the canvas was that of a color merchant in Paris and dates it to 1841-1845. The model was likely a family member as many models were at that time
Yeah boy or girl, made for proper or improper eyes. It's likely the child had no choice in this at the time, it might be even less comfortable if it's a girl than a boy as she wouldn't have been running around like that ever.
"Very high tech weights". LOL. I love your sense of humour.
Julian: a sweet painting with a forever mystery behind it. As usual,- an excellent restoration. I can see many conversations happening about why it is unfinished. Carol from California
my favourite painting is ‘nude study’ by Henry Herbert La Thangue, it’s unfinished, but the beauty and skill in just the face stunned me when i first saw it, and still does, even a print of it i have bought captivates me regularly. A painting doesn’t *need* to be finished, and i love them that way
When you put the painting under the weights after the hot table, you say that it needs to become acclimated to the studio. It reminds me of taking in a stray animal and allowing it to roam around its new home so that it can adjust to its new space. Or even an adopted or foster child being allowed to explore their new home.
Thank you for sharing this journey with us, Julian.
I had a small tear in a canvas I’m painting. From watching Julian I repaired it myself using wood filler!
Thank you for these videos. They help me relax for sleep like nothing else and I'm learning so much about conservatorship that I'll never use as a conservator but as an artist it really makes me appreciate the work done to preserve art.
Julian your videos and conservation work are beautiful! I enjoy them so much!
What an interesting project. I appreciate seeing the artist in process. Thanks for bringing us along.
I don't know how many times I've seen your conservation work, but every time, it's a fresh and fascinating experience. Bravo Julian! (Loved your behind the scenes series. The framer in particular inspired me to go to them for a frame )
Oh boy, did this ever need help!!!
Awesome job, Julian!!!
❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
There is another option: the artist was unable to finish the painting. Growing up my grandfather painted as a hobby. He would recreate paintings for himself and family. The last one he started but didn't finish because his health deteriorated and he just couldn't see well enough to keep going. I guess there other reasons an artist might be unable to finish: ran out of supplies, the commissioners changed their mind or wouldn't pay. I guess it's also possible this was just practice and they were ready to move on to something else. What ever the reason, I would argue that this is the state that the artist left in. So this is it's finished state.
Fantastic! Loved the care and attention
What an amazing piece of art! I absolutely love the unfinished aspect of it, and am impressed by your restoration! Thank you for what you do 🙏🏻
That's a beautiful painting and I am envious of it's owner. Thank you for taking care of it, Julian.
Yes, Thank You Julian, the video doesn't give it justice, in person she is truly amazing
Beautiful painting! Thanks. You’re an angel.
Whenever i hear the peaceful piano music i am always fully expecting it to be minecraft music 😭. I would love to hear c-418 in one of your videos sometime julien
You do excellent work.
I enjoy your videos immensely.
Best of luck!
This is one of the most compelling pieces I've seen on this channel. I don't know if the artist saw it as finished or unfinished, and since there is no way to know, I'm perfectly happy with the ambiguity. I'll just say that I would hang this painting on my wall any day of the week. Beautifully restored as always.
I enjoy watching the master at his craft but I enjoy the asmr aspect of these videos even more!
I loved this video, had it in my watch later for a hot minute and glad I finally got the time to watch it. I've lived in Colorado for 4 years but am moving this week. Sad to say I wasn't able to see these little guys. I've always loved to check out tide pools on the beach though, which reminds me of this!
Just simply beautiful!
Thank You Julian.... Just Wonderful!!! I saw two of my "Waldo's" working , just great!.... This unfinished painting I actually prefer because it shows the process of the artist as he/she was progressing. ... I do sooooo wish I did not have my red/ green color blindness so that I could fully appreciate the re-touching process.....Wonderful show & enjoyed the process.... TM
Just the man I wanted to see!! I needed a Baumgartner video.
Julian, I always come here, to your videos, because I believe that with dedicate work, time and softness, anyone can learn how to fix things like old furniture or souls...
You totally inspire me!! I am an artist and a retired trauma surgical scrub tech.
Ouooo Ahhhh ! That gauze peeling off moment gave me the warm tingles ❤
I was so worried you were going to actually finish the painting. I love that this was preserved as is!
Naturally. He conserves, he alters as little as possible. There's a video of his where he struggled with conserving a painting that had...less than stellar anatomy, and he needed to come to terms with the fact that he isn't and should never strive to "fix" or "finish" art, only to return it to the state the artist intended us to see. His philosophy is beautiful
Bless you, Mr Baumgartner, it's 10:27 here in my country and I'm lying in bed about to be carried off to Dreamland with your soothing voice ❤
Also I couldn't help but gasp... The 'unfinish' feels so intentional, so poignant. It affects in me something strange but tender.
Thank goodness that the overpaint was slightly less oxidised, otherwise it probably would have been indistinguishable from the original paint layer!
The music over the cleaning section reminds me of the Spiritfarer video game OST, that game has SUCH nice and cozy music!
It reminds me a lot of the music from Citizen Sleeper so I had to look it up, apparently it's from a person named Serge Praded and it's called "Piano for relax and meditation".
This one left a ton of questions in my mind, but because I am not considered a creative artist, those questions may not be valid questions. My initial impression - it was done be someone who was learning the craft. Thanks for all that you do to teach us how these things are done.
Just thought you should know I’ve tried to watch this 3 times now and it hasn’t failed, about half way through I fall asleep. Not because I’m not completely fascinated by art restoration but because of your voice and tone. Going in for a 4th try. Hopefully I’ll get all the way through this time. 😂
yes! a new vido! omg it's felt almost like an eon waiting. 😄😄😄😄
I love watching your work
A major improvement, Julian. Thank you.
9:21 "High tech weights" is one way to put it...
Technically they really are high tech
I am hearing him make Choo Choo sounds when the weight follows along behind the iron.
So beautiful , it reminds me of the unfinished painting of George Washington . There is something mysterious about a painting that is unfinished . This is one of them . Thank you so much for sharing all the work you do thank you
To me this isn’t unfinished, just differently finished. This might be my personal favorite of everything I’ve seen you restore and the one I’d most like to have in my own home. It’s weird and quirky but something about it speaks to me.
I admire Julian that he sees that paintngs - indeed, any other art form - are vehicles through which we are given a glimpse into humanity in its essence. The best art opens our eyes and our hearts so we can see and experience the best part of what it means to be a human being. Bravo, Julian.
Come out very beautiful!!
I very much enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up
please post an ASMR version of this video!! I love falling asleep to ur videos every night 🫠
That removal from the board was such a nice ASMR moment! 😊
The painting being “unfinished” gives it a unique look. Amazing work, that canvas looked ready to crumble away.
You voice is making me relax ,great asmr for slleaping thanks 😂🥰
You’re the Bob Ross of restoration ❤️
I've been watching long enough that I can "play along with Julian" and try to guess what steps and in what order!
Thank you for the video
For me the painting is finished. I am challenged by the artist to complete the painting in my mind. Another moment of peace to watch your video and listen to your story. Big thanks again. It's a pity that you live on the other side of the ocean because I also have a painting that needs expert attention and I would absolutely like to entrust it to you. Big greetings and thanks from the Netherlands.
Amazing Julian!
Hey! You finally got clued in on finish washers! (30:05)
Really beautiful thank you
I truly loved watching you bring this unfinished painting back to life and it gave me more thoughts being unfinished then l usually had when watching you do you magic.
Why, was it unfinished? Did something happened to the sitter? Did something happened to the artist? Did the artist have to go to war? It have me so many thoughts . . . .
Thank you
The asmr of this will be beautiful
I am once again blown away.
The painting was very nearly complete after the artist painted those eyes; incredible.
Julian, I NEVER get tired of listening to you explaining EVERY detail of the work you are doing. It's an alliteration and affirmation of your artistic processes, and I love it. Please do not ever feel that you need to change. Like your 'craft', it's perfect
I will hug this child. What for emotions comes out after your great job ❤️ I love your videos, your passion is so rich an information. Thank you so much❤️
Julian, it would be neat to see some of the reversing techniques performed on some of that scrap canvas. It's so fascinating to me how much work you put into something that is, fundamentally and ideally fully reversable.
Look up “Revisiting An Old Friend” I undo my old work for a second conservation after new damage.
I had forgotten that episode! Thank you!
Have a Great Week. ❤️
There is something so vulnerable about an unfinished painting, especially this one. It feels like you are seeing a private moment and want to look away. Which is fascinating considering the finished work would have been just another lovely portrait
I'd love a video series that just goes over tools and glossary: paints, brushes, Washikozo, types of canvas, what's a strainer, stretcher, rabbit, etc...
Hey Julian, question for your next “answer question period”. Why don’t you have to place the painting under the drywall and weights again after the adhesive impregnation? Won’t the canvas want to ripple again because of the heat?
Thank you again for the fantastic videos and story telling
The fact the we can see the remains of the artist’s sketching is just fantastic, it kinda gives an insight about the art process
And either was on purpose or not, it doesn’t take away how good it looks
👍👌👏 again and as always (video and work). Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing.
Best regards luck and health in particular.
Brilliant!! Just brilliant!!! 😊
There is just something about when Julian is at the hot table and he pulls the tape and cuts it - chef's kiss