La Dent de Jaman, 1874
Gustave Courbet (French, 1819–1877)
Oil on canvas
Bequest of Mrs. Blakemore Wheeler 1964.31.5

How much will it cost? $2,500

ADOPTED

The results of this conservation treatment will be subtle, but beautiful. Currently, the entire surface suffers from a layer of superficial grime, creating a dull, matte surface. There is no evident varnish on this picture, and the total lack of gloss does nothing for any sense of depth in this picture—the house looks as flat as the mountains, water, and sky. Once the layers of dirt residue are removed, the blues, whites, and greens will be considerably brighter. Courbet’s bravura brushwork will be shown off to its best effect, and this lovely little Swiss scene will look as fresh as the day it was painted.