The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, MO is in the process of restoring ‘The Penitent Magdalene’ by the Spanish Renaissance master, El Greco. The project, which began in the spring of 2013, has been made possible by the Bank of America Art Conservation Project.
The endeavor is being helmed by Scott Heffley, the Senior Conservator of Paintings at the Nelson-Atkins. Heffley has removed various layers of past restoration work, exposing the canvas' original paint. He will begin rebuilding the painting’s damaged surface so that El Greco’s original work will be brought to the forefront. The process is expected to take months. Once the restoration is complete, ‘The Penitent Magdalene’ will travel to Toledo, Spain so that it can be included in a 400th anniversary celebration of El Greco’s death.
To date, the Bank of America Art Conservation Project has funded the restoration of over 58 works in 26 countries.
