DAS FORUM | 21.05.2025 – 02.11.2025

BENEATH THE SURFACE
The Secrets of Panel Paintings

Centuries-old paintings are full of secrets: the depictions make use of symbolism that we no longer readily understand today and must first decipher. The origin of the works and the original purpose for which they were created are often a mystery. The materials and painting technique, on the other hand, can tell us a lot about the time of origin and the artist. As most of these old panel paintings have been restored, the question also arises as to which painted areas are still original or what may have been added later.
In the exhibition we will collaborate with the conservator Ludmila Henseler to get to the bottom of the secrets of two panel paintings from our collection: Joos van Cleve’s The Madonna of the Cherries (ca. 1530) and The Holy Family with Angels (ca. 1510), the latter ), the latter  by a yet unidentified Old Netherlandish master. 
Joos van Cleve (Werkstatt), Madonna mit Kirschen, um 1530 | © Draiflessen Collection, Foto/photo: Henning Rogge
unbekannt, Die heilige Familie mit Engeln, ca. 1510 | © Draiflessen Collection, Foto/photo: Stephan Kube

Press Information

Accompanying programe

September

Thursday
04.09.2025

18.00 | Talk

Art in the Evening: Curator's tour and lecture by Commissioner René Allonge

in the exhibition BENEATH THE SURFACE

Art crime up close: Inspector René Allonge provides exciting insights into spectacular cases, modern investigative methods and his everyday life as chief investigator.

October

Thursday
02.10.2025

18.00 – 19.30 | Special Guided Tour

Art in the Evening: Guided tour with restorer Ludmila Henseler

in the exhibition BENEATH THE SURFACE

Discover the hidden layers of Old Netherlandish painting - restorer Ludmila Henseler provides exclusive insights into the fascinating world of art restoration.