As was already feared, the condition of the jewels restituted from the burglary of the Dresden Green Vault is far worse than hoped for. According to the media (Daily News of First German Television, "Spiegel"), restorer Eve Begov of the Dresden State Art Collections reported on this today as an expert witness during the trial. Among other things, a corner of the Order of the Polish Eagle was broken off, pieces were bent. It appears that water has penetrated the settings of an agraffe, the stones now appear black....
The restorer was also asked about the cost of restoration. A question which, of course, seems a bit German - I am German -, but of course could also play a role in the sentence. That is not so easy to say, she answered from a museological point of view, because first the team had to decide how far the restoration should go.
A good answer. A first impulse might make it seem desirable that everything should be as it was. But in fact, we have to realise that the pieces will never be the same as they were before the damage. Maybe the stones would have to be completely reset, closed settings renewed. I am not a jeweller or restorer, but a permanent salvage of once corroded metal parts is tricky. In the end, the jewellery is no longer "original". Mind you, the sets of the Saxon kings are unique in the world. Elsewhere, the old sets were torn apart, and the stones reused. The splendour of the courts of Louis XIV and XV, the Stuart and Guelph kings, the Habsburgs, the Prussians (well..) has long been gone.
From the museum's point of view, it might make more sense and be more honest to decide in favour of largely preserving the original substance, including the destruction, during the restoration, and thus also for the authenticity of the jewellery. Very difficult decisions for the Dresden team!
It will still take some effort to bring the art treasures back to their old condition. Restorer Begov estimates the cost of the restoration alone at 126,000 euros, not counting the numerous gems that need to be replaced.
But the important thing: gems like the breast bow, the Saxon white, Amalia Auguste's diamond necklace, four coat buttons, the large diamond rose and the sword blade are still missing.regards Ursula
on January 10, 2023, 2:07 pm