Eisenach saves art treasures: two masterpieces are being restored!

Eisenach saves art treasures: two masterpieces are being restored!

In the city of Eisenach, two important paintings from the collection of the Thuringian Museum were handed over for restoration. This is done under the expert guidance of restorer Nora Pfeiffer, who will take care of the restoration of the historical works of art. This is an important step in preserving the region's cultural heritage.

The first picture, “Autumn Landscape near Bad Berka”, comes from the brushes of the artist Alexander von Szpinger, who lived between 1889 and 1969. Szpinger studied at the renowned arts and crafts school in Weimar and was a master student at the legendary Bauhaus. The restoration of this work, which is estimated to cost over 2,300 euros, is fully financed by the Eisenach Conservation Association.

Eisenach art back in the spotlight

Another, much more important work in this collection is “The Net Menders,” created by the Dutch painter Josef Israëls in 1925. Israëls was a prominent representative of the Hague School, known for its plein air painting. His works capture the facets of light, atmosphere and landscape with a depth that make them true masterpieces of art history.

The high level of appreciation of his works to this day is also reflected in the auction prices. In 2021, an artwork by Israel fetched almost 42,000 euros. This not only underlines the value of his work, but also the importance of preserving his works for future generations. Dr. Reinhold Brunner, acting director of the Thuringian Museum, emphasizes the importance of these restoration projects and praises the cooperation with committed sponsors.

A total of around 16,000 euros is required for the comprehensive restoration of the “Netzflickerinnen”, of which the Free State of Thuringia is providing 11,000 euros. This financial support is crucial to maintaining the rich history and artistic tradition in Eisenach. Ingo Wachtmeister, the representative responsible for culture, expresses his gratitude to the support group and emphasizes how important it is to preserve such treasures.

The restorer Nora Pfeiffer brings not only her specialist knowledge, but also experience from previous restorations in the Elschner Gallery, which further ensures the success of the project. In this respect, working with her is a valuable step in the right direction to revitalize Eisenach's cultural identity and artistic heritage.

For more information about the background to the restoration and the important works from the region, see the report at www.thueringer- Allgemeine.de.