Press Releases

Édouard Manet’s (1832-1883) Portrait de Monsieur Jules Dejouy (1879), was acquired by Amgueddfa Cymru in 2019 after more than ninety years in a private collection. This oil on canvas, originally owned by Dejouy, had remained in a relatively untouched condition, which is rare for a work of this period. 

On arrival at the museum the portrait required full conservation treatment. The painting was under a disfiguring veil of surface dirt and discoloured varnish. 

As part of the conservation work undertaken by Chief Conservator, (Art, Natural Sciences and Preventive Conservation) for Amgueddfa Cymru, Adam Webster, the painting has undergone a transformative treatment which includes surface cleaning, varnish removal and strip-lining. This has improved dramatically the painting’s legibility and stability.

Technical examination including infra-red reflectography, x-radiography and examination of paint cross sections have explored the materials and techniques employed by the artist. This underpins the museum’s general understanding of Manet’s work including his working methods and painting process.

Adam Webster, Chief Conservator, (Art, Natural Sciences and Preventive Conservation) Amgueddfa Cymru: 

“As this painting had not been displayed publicly for decades, the conservation treatment was an excellent opportunity to study the materials and techniques used by the artist as part of his work. It was enlightening to see the intricacy of this accomplished portrait appear during cleaning. 

“As a registered charity, we are extremely grateful to TEFAF for their support and would also like to thank the Friends of the Museum and The Finnis Scott Foundation for their contributions, which have helped us preserve this important piece of art. The technical examination and conservation means we now have a much improved understanding of the portrait, its presentation, and legibility as an artwork.

“The portrait now sits well in the wider Amgueddfa Cymru collection which features many other key Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works including three other works by Manet in our collection - Effect of Snow at Petit Montrouge (1870-71), Argenteuil, Boat (1874), and The Rabbit (1881). I am delighted that Wales can add such a poignant painting to its national collection”.

Hidde van Seggelen, Chairman of TEFAF:

“We are delighted that Portrait de Monsieur Jules Dejouy by Édouard Manet will be going on display at National Museum Cardiff following this intensive conservation and restoration project. Ensuring works of art are preserved for the benefit of generations to come is one of the founding principles behind TEFAF’s Museum Restoration Fund so we are thrilled to see this ambition come to fruition at National Museum Cardiff.”

Jules Dejouy (1815-1894) was not only Manet’s older cousin, but also an important figure in the artists life. He was a successful lawyer, appointed to the Imperial Court in France in 1849. After the death of the artist’s father in 1862, Dejouy was appointed as chief counsellor and guide to Manet and his brothers.  Manet relied on him in throughout his life. During the siege of Paris in 1870 the artist sent valuables to his cousin for safekeeping. Dejouy was also appointed by Manet as his executor and was part of the committee that organized the 1884 exhibition following Manet’s death, alongside Emile Zola, painters such as Fantin-Latour and dealers Durand-Ruel and Georges Petit. This portrait was included in that exhibition. 

ENDS

For further information or images please contact communications@museumwales.ac.uk 

NOTE TO EDITORS

ABOUT THE TEFAF MUSEUM RESTORATION FUND

The TEFAF Museum Restoration Fund was established in 2012 to support and promote professional restoration and related scholarly research of significant museum art works. Championing art in all its forms, applications for its grants are open to museums from all over the world and art works from any age. Each year, a maximum of €50,000 will be allocated to projects. The committee of independent experts usually selects two winners to each receive a maximum of €25,000 to support their restoration project.

ABOUT AMGUEDDFA CYMRU - MUSEUM WALES 

Amgueddfa Cymru belongs to everyone and is here for everyone to use. We are a charity and a family of seven national museums and a collections centre, located across the country. Our aim is to inspire everyone through Wales’ story, at our museums, in communities and digitally.  

Our welcome is free thanks to funding from the Welsh Government and extends to people from all communities. 

Play your part in Wales’ story: by visiting, volunteering, by joining, by donating.  

www.museum.wales

ABOUT TEFAF

TEFAF is a not-for-profit foundation that champions expertise and diversity in the global art community, evidenced in the exhibitors selected for its two fairs, which take place annually in Maastricht and New York. TEFAF acts as an expert guide for both private and institutional collectors, which inspires lovers and buyers of art everywhere. 

TEFAF Maastricht will be held in the MECC Maastricht from March 11-19, 2023. March 9 and 10 by invitation only. 

TEFAF New York will be held in the Park Avenue Armory from May 12 – 16, 2023. May 11 by invitation only.

ABOUT TEFAF MAASTRICHT                                    

TEFAF Maastricht is widely regarded as the world's premier fair for fine art, antiques, and design, bringing together 7,000 years of art history under one roof. Featuring over 260 prestigious dealers from some 20 countries, TEFAF Maastricht is a showcase for the finest art works currently on the market. Alongside the traditional areas of Old Master paintings, antiques, and classical antiquities that cover approximately half of the fair, you can also find modern and contemporary art, photography, jewelry, 20th century design, and works on paper.

ABOUT TEFAF NEW YORK

TEFAF New York was founded in early 2016, originally as two annual art fairs in New York at the Park Avenue Armory. Today, TEFAF New York is one singular, annual fair that encapsulates modern and contemporary art, jewelry, antiques, and design, featuring around 90 leading exhibitors from around the globe. Tom Postma Design, celebrated for its work with leading museums, galleries, and art fairs, is responsible for the fair’s innovative design which has reimagined the spectacular spaces at the historic Park Avenue Armory, giving them a lighter, contemporary look and feel.

VETTING

TEFAF sets itself apart in the thoroughness of its vetting and dedication to upholding a standard of excellence. As one of the main pillars of TEFAF’s success and legacy, this creates the optimal environment for collectors to acquire the highest quality works of art. For more information on TEFAF’s rigorous vetting standards, visit TEFAF.com/about/vetting.

TEFAF PRESS OFFICE 

Global

Magda Grigorian, magda.grigorian@tefaf.com,

UK

Cultural Communications, tefaf@culturalcomms.co.uk