Conservation and Restoration of an Anselm Kiefer Painting from the Groninger Museum
Anselm Kiefer remains one of the most intriguing contemporary artists. With several upcoming exhibitions worldwide, his work is once again receiving widespread attention. The Netherlands, too, will host remarkable exhibitions this year. For instance, on March 2, 2025, the exhibition Sag mir, wo die Blumen sind will open at the Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam and the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. This exhibition features an impressive installation by Kiefer, inspired by the devastating impact of war and the transience of nature. His monumental and multi-layered paintings, composed of materials such as lead, straw, sand, and paint, present unique challenges for conservators. Recently, I had the privilege of restoring an Anselm Kiefer painting from the collection of the Groninger Museum in my studio.
The Artwork: Malen
The painting I restored is Malen (1974), an impressive piece from the collection of the Groninger Museum. It depicts a vast, barren landscape with the outline of a painter’s palette, inside which the word malen (German for “to paint”) is inscribed. Nearly the entire field is obscured by short blue strokes, evoking the impression of a heavy rain shower. Notably, these strokes share the same color as the painter’s palette, suggesting a direct connection to the concept of painting itself. Just as rain nourishes a field, painting can breathe life into a depiction of reality—or, in other words, myths can shape our perception of the past. Moreover, one of the underlying themes in Kiefer’s work is the role of myths in German history, a theme that is also evident in this painting.
Object Specifications
Object Number: XXXX.0299
Title: Malen
Date: 1974
Production Period: 20th century
Material: Oil paint on canvas
Dimensions: 117.00 x 261.50 x 11.00 cm (h x w x d)
Collection: Groninger Museum
The Challenge of Kiefer’s Material Usage
The restoration of an Anselm Kiefer painting is complex, as his experimental techniques present significant challenges. On the one hand, he uses materials and textures that create a profound sense of layering in his work; on the other hand, these materials pose difficult conservation issues. For instance, the combination of organic and inorganic materials makes his paintings vulnerable to dust, flaking paint layers, and deformation due to environmental factors. Therefore, in this restoration, it was crucial to consider both his unique material use and his artistic intent.
Extensive Condition Assessment for the Restoration of the Anselm Kiefer Painting
Before the actual restoration process began, I conducted a thorough condition assessment. This included:
- Documentation of damage and vulnerable areas, with microscopic analyses providing a better understanding of the condition of the paint and materials.
- Research into previous restorations, to determine whether any past interventions had affected the painting’s stability.
- Assessment of dust and dirt accumulation, as Kiefer’s relief-like structures often trap dust in the deeper layers.
Restoration: Cleaning the Painting and Stabilizing Loose Paint
Following the condition assessment, a meticulous cleaning process was carried out. Since dust removal from an Anselm Kiefer painting is a delicate procedure, the correct techniques had to be applied. Excessive pressure or unsuitable methods could damage fragments of the work. Therefore, the surface was carefully cleaned using soft brushes and micro-suction techniques.
One of the most critical steps in this restoration was stabilizing loose paint and material layers. This was essential because Kiefer’s use of thick impasto and fragile materials such as straw and lead required a targeted approach. To ensure stability while preserving the painting’s original appearance, I used a customized fixation method with a reversible adhesive.
Art and Decay: A Conscious Choice?
When restoring an Anselm Kiefer painting, it is essential to consider a fundamental question: to what extent is decay an inherent part of his art? Kiefer himself appears to embrace the impermanence of his materials, presenting conservators with ethical dilemmas. Should every loose fragment be secured, or is it better to allow certain signs of aging to remain as part of the artwork?
After consultation with the museum and following international conservation principles, a decision was made to apply minimal intervention. This meant that only the most vulnerable areas were treated, ensuring that the raw and expressive character of the work remained intact.
The Impact of Restoration on the Appreciation of Anselm Kiefer’s Art
Restoring an Anselm Kiefer painting is not only about preserving a physical object but also about respecting the deeper layers of his work. Furthermore, this restoration provided insight not only into the technical aspects of Kiefer’s art but also emphasized the importance of honoring his artistic intentions throughout the conservation process.
With the growing attention for his work, it is fascinating to observe how museums and collectors approach the conservation and restoration of these monumental paintings. This year, the Netherlands offers a unique opportunity to experience Kiefer’s oeuvre up close.
Bezoek Anselm Kiefer – Sag mir, wo die Blumen sind
Visit Anselm Kiefer – Sag mir, wo die Blumen sind
The exhibition Anselm Kiefer – Sag mir, wo die Blumen sind is a collaboration between the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and will run from March 7 to June 9, 2025. For the first time, these museums will jointly present a comprehensive overview of Kiefer’s work. The Van Gogh Museum will highlight Van Gogh’s influence on his oeuvre, while the Stedelijk Museum will showcase all Kiefers from its own collection, supplemented by new, never-before-seen works. A special combination ticket grants access to both locations.
The exhibition’s title references the well-known anti-war song and aligns with Kiefer’s themes of transience and the human condition. One of the highlights is his monumental new work, created specifically for this exhibition, which spans the walls of the Stedelijk Museum’s staircase. Altogether, this unique exhibition offers a profound insight into Kiefer’s artistry and the interplay between his work and Van Gogh’s legacy.
This restoration project was a remarkable experience and a valuable contribution to the preservation of Kiefer’s impressive oeuvre.
Do you have a contemporary painting or a more historical artwork in need of a condition assessment or restoration? Feel free to contact me for a non-binding consultation!
