The Thomas More painting, a rare and internationally significant artwork, is about to reveal its secrets to the public in a groundbreaking heritage science project. This initiative, set to commence on Thursday, marks a UK first, mirroring the techniques used at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam during its renowned restoration of Rembrandt's masterpiece, 'The Night Watch'.
The National Trust, stewards of Nostell, a Palladian mansion in West Yorkshire, have invited visitors to witness cutting-edge research that usually takes place behind closed doors in labs. Simon McCormack, Nostell's curator, emphasizes the importance of involving the public in this process, asking, 'Why are we doing all these things behind the scenes when we are looking after and caring for heritage which ultimately belongs to everybody?'
The painting, measuring 2.5 meters by 3.4 meters, has been a prized possession of the National Trust for centuries. Due to its size, it remained in its packing case for most of the 18th century, as it was too large to be displayed. It portrays three generations of the More family, including Henry VIII's lord chancellor, Thomas More, who was executed for not supporting the annulment of the king's first marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
The painting is a faithful, life-size copy of Holbein's original, which was destroyed in a fire in 1752. Holbein, a 16th-century English artist, was introduced to Thomas More by their mutual friend, Erasmus. More commissioned Holbein to paint him and his family, resulting in what art historian Roy Strong considers 'arguably the greatest and most innovative work of Holbein's English period' and 'at least a century ahead of its time'.
The Nostell version of the painting is believed to be the most faithful to Holbein's original and the only same-size version that survives. It depicts More with his family, pets, books, and musical instruments in their Chelsea home, filled with symbolism and hidden meanings. For instance, a tethered monkey next to More's second wife, Alice, represents discipline and her ability to control the household, reflecting More's ownership of a pet monkey.
The many books in the painting allude to the family's scholarly reputation, while three-petalled irises symbolize faith, valour, and wisdom. The on-site research, expected to last eight days, will employ macro X-ray fluorescence scanning for the first time in the UK. Researchers aim to uncover hidden under-drawings and discover and date later additions to the painting.
Erma Hermens, the director of the Hamilton Kerr Institute at the Fitzwilliam Museum, expressed excitement about using their technical equipment in situ, taking it from Cambridge to Yorkshire to assist the National Trust in understanding this remarkable family portrait. The project is funded by the Center for Thomas More Studies at Dallas University, and McCormack hopes it will generate the same 'buzz and drama' as the Rijksmuseum's Night Watch conservation.
This initiative not only offers a unique opportunity to witness cutting-edge research but also to demystify the painting's legends and myths. McCormack highlights the possibility of heritage science shedding light on unanswered questions, such as the identity of the painter, despite the painting's long association with Nostell.
