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.
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
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.