Arts & Education Documentary
Meadow Brook Hall, Detroit Institute of Arts & Oakland University:
A Masterpiece Revealed
“A Masterpiece Revealed" is a 5-chapter documentary that tells the fascinating story of a 17th century painting re-discovered at Meadow Brook Hall and conserved by the Detroit Institute of Arts. The re-discovery by DIA director, Salvador Salort-Pons, ignited a partnership between Oakland University, Meadow Brook Hall and the DIA, allowing students to observe the scientific research and conservation process.
The painting was on display in the DIA's "European Medieval to Renaissance Art" gallery before returning to Meadow Brook Hall. Over the course of six months, I documented the journey of the painting through a behind-the-scenes look at the DIA's conservation labs. I was responsible for all storyboarding, filming, design and animation of the videos.
Chapter 1: A Rediscovery
The documentary begins with a history of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's "The Infant Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness" from its creation in Seville, Spain to its eventual home at Meadow Brook Hall in the 1920s. DIA Director, Salvator Salort-Pons talks about the provenance of the painting along with Meadow Brook Hall’s Curator, Madelyn Rzadkowski.
Chapter 2: The Project
Chapter 2 showcases the collaboration between conservators, scientists and curators involved in the acquisition and conservation of historical works. During the conservation and research of this painting, several discoveries were revealed that required important decisions from the Detroit Institute of Arts’ team. Along the way, Oakland University arts students and faculty were given a behind the scenes look into each step of the process.
Chapter 3: Science In Art
Chapter 3 explains the discoveries that were revealed during the cleaning and conservation process of “The Infant Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness.” It focuses on science’s role in art conservation and how x-rays present information about the materials and minerals used in the artist's process.
Chapter 4: The ARtist’s Language
Chapter 4 focuses on the artist's language and the other Spanish paintings in the DIA's European Medieval to Renaissance Art. Students and professors from Oakland University discuss the unique experience of being part of the process in the conservation labs. This chapter also highlights the frame conservation process before being put back on display in the gallery.
Chapter 5: On Exhibit
Chapter 5 explains the decisions made during the conservation process and concludes with the painting on display in the Detroit Institute of Arts’ European Medieval to Renaissance Art Collection.
