Authentication, appraisal, condition report, full scientific research analysis, restoration of painting and frame
Painter
Copy after P. P. Rubens
Title of painting
Flight of Lot and his family from Sodom
Date
17th Century
Location of painting
Belgium
Type of owner
Private collector
Project status
Completed
Restoration
Preliminary research showed identical works to be in existence in major museums in Europe and the United States. The use of pigments and colors would indicate that the copyist had direct access to the original by P.P. Rubens. A famous engraving after the same painting was made two years after Rubens completed his work. The restoration process included identification of pigments with XRF, removal of large areas of overpaintings, retouching and reconstruction of lost areas. The frame’s stylistic integrity was restored by adding recreated molded elements.
The painting depicts angels leading Lot and his family out of Sodom (Genesis 11-14), which is being destroyed by for the citizens’ debauchery and lawlessness. Lot and his daughters successfully escape, but his wife missing the life in Sodom looks back, for which she is turned into a pillar of salt. This iconography is easily recognizable as his wife is depicted standing before a grey pillar.