Off the Map: The Provenance of a Painting (Trailer)

Enjoy the trailer for "Off the Map: The Provenance of a Painting," a mini documentary about the meticulous conservation and repair of a mid–18th-century painting attributed to Joseph Wright of Derby.

COMING SOON! --- "Off the Map: The Provenance of a Painting" is a 14-minute mini documentary about the meticulous conservation and repair of a mid–18th-century painting attributed to Joseph Wright of Derby.

In this video, viewers visit the Durham, North Carolina studio of art conservator Ruth Cox, who shares her experience with this timeworn painting. The camera sweeps across the unrestored painting’s surface which magically returns to its former glory after Ruth’s expert care. Viewers learn about the materials and techniques Ruth used to conserve this picture in such a way that they could be undone without damage.

"Portrait of an Artist" is the centerpiece of an intimate show in the Incubator Gallery that provides a case study of a single work of art that was bequeathed to the Nasher Museum by Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans. From England to Berlin, New York to Durham, the 18th-century painting has journeyed far and seen numerous owners, auctions houses and exhibitions since its creation 250 years ago.

SUPPORT
"Off the Map: The Provenance of a Painting" is organized by Molly Boarati, Associate Curator at the Nasher Museum.

Special thanks to David Beaudin, Ruth Cox, Merritt Hampton, Chris Harris, Annika Hossain, Beth Semans Hubbard, Sabrina Hurtado, Mary Trent Jones, Nancy Karrels, Ian Kennedy, Joe Lucas, Mimi O’Brien, James Duke Biddle Trent Semans, Abby Schlesinger, and the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Duke University.

"Off the Map: The Provenance of a Painting" is supported by The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation and The Samuel H. Kress Foundation.

Joseph Wright of Derby (attributed), "Portrait of an Artist," mid–late 18th century. Oil on canvas, 29 1/8 x 24 1/2 inches (74 x 62.2 cm). Collection of the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University. Bequest of Mary D.B.T. Semans in memory of her mother, Mary Duke Biddle; 2013.3.1.