Julian planning the opening shot of him stepping out of the storage room for dramatic effect: "Oh, they're gonna love this"

@screetchycello

3 жыл бұрын

i’m waiting for the day he goes full Tom Cruise in Risky Business and slides into frame

@jameswhatsit

3 жыл бұрын

Ha, I was disconcerted that his face was making noise. I’m so used to his voice being the disembodied narrator!!

@herculesrockafeller

3 жыл бұрын

He wasn’t wrong.

@mariAAAAAA_r

3 жыл бұрын

And we did.

@naufrago120

3 жыл бұрын

@@mariAAAAAA_r defenitely

I'm picturing Julian, tenderly whispering to his paintings: who did this to you

@fair1hew

3 жыл бұрын

With a tear slowly falling down his cheek..

@EvertvanIngen

3 жыл бұрын

Drunk students

@m-bronte

3 жыл бұрын

Julian get's high on Rhubarb before he starts his restoration process.

@blew1t

3 жыл бұрын

he strokes it with the back of his foreknuckle, gently, so as to not inflict any further damage, "sweet prince..." his brows furrow as tears build in his eyes, "i'll fix you." he jumps back as the client abruptly enters the room "the damage is.. Extensive."

@Man-ej6uv

3 жыл бұрын

@ thetrashslingingasher IM CRYING

Client: Here’s a completely ruined piece of art, don’t restore it. Julian through clenched teeth: Absolutely, no problem.

@josephpotter5766

2 жыл бұрын

The real question is why a cultist of the dark gods of entropy took their painting to Julian in the first place... probably to feed on his psychic pain at the whole process.

@SillyNep

2 жыл бұрын

@@josephpotter5766 well he wanted to ensure it stayed in that particular frame of its destroyed state, so it is preservation, just an unconventional kind.

@nomebear

2 жыл бұрын

The painting is so far gone that a complete restoration would be the creation of another work of art. We all know Julian's great talent, skills, and abilities in restoration. And yes, I selfishly would have loved to have seen his rendition of the painting. But alas! It twas not to be.

@helenfitch3440

2 жыл бұрын

He's always saying how the artist wanted to see the painting how he saw it . Well I'm sure this isn't how the artist saw this painting. Shame someone thinks it looks good.

@runedyrting8476

Жыл бұрын

@@nomebear That makes sense to me.

When julian finally snaps and kills an amateur conservator you know he's going to capture the whole process as a tasteful documentary

@mimim7026

2 жыл бұрын

LOL I can picture him calmly hammering small tacks into the amateur's head with that same hammer.

@kottonkandy0962

2 жыл бұрын

*When.*

@samuels1123

Жыл бұрын

turn them into a canvas, one side or the other

@talamioros

Жыл бұрын

@@mimim7026 in this case he may use staples. And varnish the corpse with polyurethane

@fybso3057

Жыл бұрын

Imagine him in the torture chamber with the same kind of voice over and cinematography lmao

Client: "And we'd like the canvas mounted with staples." Julian: "Get out."

@AM-nh6oz

3 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂

@TheVectorious

3 жыл бұрын

And stabilize it with Elmers glue.

@charredtodeath2205

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheVectorious ... You might as well say that the client wants polyurethane for an everlasting varnish.

@isabelarodrigues5941

3 жыл бұрын

there’s a limit pal

@ink3539

3 жыл бұрын

Dudes gonna get stabbed with nails

Julian: So you want this painting conserved? Client: Well yes, but actually no

@Rodyen1404

3 жыл бұрын

Well, the client wanted it conserved, but not restored.

@ginaburgess9759

3 жыл бұрын

I think it was conserved but not restored. The paint loss is so great that to try to recreate the original image would have to involve too much guesswork. I can see where the owner is coming from.

@KainYusanagi

3 жыл бұрын

@@ginaburgess9759 It'd also lose its "I went through hell and I SURVIVED! Come at me, world!" visual storytelling effect, if Julian did do that, I think. As he's mentioned in the past, usually this sorta weird thing about not fixing everything that can be fixed, even if it's reversible, isn't from collectors looking to flip a painting so it's worth more, but families who have long histories with a piece.

@canislupus4655

3 жыл бұрын

@@ginaburgess9759 I think for the most part that’s accurate, but some aspects like forgoing bridging the tear and not wanting to clean the painting are aspects of conservation (since they would help to prevent further damage) that were refused. So the client seemed to value the image of the painting being an “artifact” over actually preserving it.

@errhka

3 жыл бұрын

I think it's a brilliant decision - every painting has a story and this painting has a great one. I am so glad this painting has such an owner.

To be honest, the missing paint makes this painting more intriguing and melancholic. It's not just a pretty portrait, but a portrait that struggled through time

@MashaRistova

2 жыл бұрын

“I’m 14 aNd ThiS iS deEp”

@didi7074

2 жыл бұрын

@@MashaRistova '-' Rude. And I'm an adult just to let you know

@siri5784

2 жыл бұрын

@@MashaRistova all of a sudden everyone who writes anything slightly metaphorical is a depressed 14 year old girl lmao

@householderr

2 жыл бұрын

But in no way what the artist intended.

@LawnOfCorn

2 жыл бұрын

@@householderr yeah but they’re dead. What are they gonna do about it?

there's something charming about those bright blue eyes peering out through the damage. I can see why the client wanted to keep it that way. it has a certain quiet dignity to it.

@loganosmolinski4446

2 жыл бұрын

A distinguished gentleman marred by war but not one ounce lesser for it.

@maretteschulz8898

Жыл бұрын

Agree......but so glad he got to do the clean up. Looks much better/interesting for it.👌👌

@wachaelandwilip2286

8 ай бұрын

​@@maretteschulz8898I have to disagree with you there I prefered the dirt it told the whole story.

We can only hope that this video will be online for a century or more, just so the next conservator won't throw shade at Julian because of what the client didn't want to be done LOL!

@Sh4d0ws_

3 жыл бұрын

yea

@user-zj8jn3hs6f

3 жыл бұрын

Omg do you think there’s gonna be digital conservation in the future?

@gigaherz_

3 жыл бұрын

@@user-zj8jn3hs6f You shouldn't need conservation on digital information. It's just bits of data. If the bits are flipping, your computer isn't working right.

@Kevara

3 жыл бұрын

@@user-zj8jn3hs6f Most certainly! There already are groups trying hard to archive as much old content as they can. Film, cassette tapes, VHS, as well as live TV broadcast, and so many other legacy formats.

@mircat28

3 жыл бұрын

A very serious and valid statement. The "LOL" is not.

Julian: "Nobody will know I've done restoration work on this." The BaumGartner Restoration Sticker on the back: "BaumGartner Restoration."

@poohsplaylist4913

3 жыл бұрын

I have a feeling that, too, is reversible. I've noticed them on most of his works. It's probably an Inventory Control label - owner, date of intake, work order number, etc. They're usually removable by the patron. And the client will have the paperwork of Julian's conservation report, most likely hidden away in their files.

@pistolannie6500

3 жыл бұрын

@@poohsplaylist4913 If you look closely at the back of it.... he either removed it... I WOULD HAVE!! Or hid it under the framing. That Owner aint playin w/a full set of paint brushes.

@GuiSmith

3 жыл бұрын

@@pistolannie6500 No, they’re playing with time.

@VanK782

3 жыл бұрын

There is no sticker.

@pistolannie6500

3 жыл бұрын

@@VanK782 there was... he must have removed it & I CAN'T say I Blame him!

Client: asks him to keep conservation a secret and have it be invisible Julian: uploads whole youtube video to an audience of 1,5mil people about how he fixed the painting

@arthurkurtz2448

2 жыл бұрын

So very astute.

@tomd96

2 жыл бұрын

Bit late but I don't think the point is to hide anything from the client, being upfront and honest about your work is what gets you future customers. Even said multiple times in the video where his guidelines and the client's wants struggled and eeked out that middle ground to where they were both satisfied with the work done.

@sassmouthbroyles9952

2 жыл бұрын

😅

@slaveNo-4028

2 жыл бұрын

@@tomd96 yes that's very true! It was kind of a joke but I actually really overheard him saying that and didn't quitte undersand that bit. thx for explaining

@andreagossmann1898

2 жыл бұрын

😅😅

Somewhere there's an unnaturally young looking guy who wants to make sure you didn't damage his immortality

@spacelasertech8359

3 жыл бұрын

I think you've hit on something there

@its_me_jen_jen9204

2 жыл бұрын

And that man...is Matthew Broderick.

@njkauto2394

2 жыл бұрын

That was in the back of my head all the way through watching this. I thought I was being silly.

@juneconnell-sahin1761

2 жыл бұрын

that was really my first thought upon seeing

@melanisticmandalorian8909

2 жыл бұрын

@@its_me_jen_jen9204 The reason Matthew Broderick looks young is because his wife ages on his behalf .... she looks like old leather.

Client: I don't want people to know its been to a conservator. Julian: I'll put in the extra work to ensure no one knows this piece has gone to a conservator. Also Julian: *Post conservation of piece on KZread*

@MissLilyputt

3 жыл бұрын

Applies sticker with his company name on the back of the painting.

@joseale2310

3 жыл бұрын

@@MissLilyputt Specially that. I cringed so much at all the effort but the sticker was there.

@Neverrgreen

3 жыл бұрын

@@joseale2310 Juilian has said that the stickers can be removed by the client. Plus it helps him keep track of it until its left his facility.

@KIddameh

3 жыл бұрын

@@MissLilyputt I also think he's mentioned that the tags also contain info about what he used to conserve so that futures conservators know what was done etc. So it's beneficial in the end.

@torturedsinger

3 жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly! Alas, the title indeed says, "The Contrarian" hahah

I want a Studio Ghibli movie about a conservator, voiced by Julian, who falls in love with the subject of the painting hes cleaning and at the end s/he pops out of the painting thanking him for rescuing them.

@kitty_sweetums

3 жыл бұрын

PLEEAASSE THAT SOUNDS AMAZING

@tkfaf15

3 жыл бұрын

I agree. That sounds fantastic.

@LauraRealLife

3 жыл бұрын

There's an old Otto Preminger directed movie entitled "Laura" where a detective investigating her death falls in love with her photo. Movie was made in the 1940s but it's a really good movie to watch one night when you want to get lost in a good story. (Side note: My mom loved the movie so much she named me Laura after it!)

@lillysora

3 жыл бұрын

Pygmalion!

@sophiatomlinson1231

3 жыл бұрын

@@LauraRealLife Gonna get it at the library! Thank you for the recommendation!

Julian: I gotta clean it otherwise i can't varnish it! Also Julian: I'm not going to varnish it

I get what the owners mean; the lucky fact that both eyes survived the water damage has left the portrait with a uniquely ethereal, other-worldly look that artists often strive for but don't manage. This mysterious look is the real deal.

@FruitandNutcaseOK

2 жыл бұрын

I don't know who the sitter was but he had amazing eyes a and the artist painted them beautifully

@hollyjensen2371

2 жыл бұрын

i was also struck by the eyes in this portrait.

@lawrencescales9864

Жыл бұрын

I think part of the reason the eyes are so special is because so much of the rest of his face is damaged

@davinhart1349

7 ай бұрын

i was thinking that, the remarkable luck that the eye survived, peering out of the damage, gives the whole thing such an intentional feel. a movie could not create a more aesthetically stressed artefact, the owners made the right choice with preserving it in its current state.

this painting feels like a rather fitting metaphor for recovering from an accident/trauma/depression. sometimes, it's not about hiding the damage and moving forward as good as new. sometimes, it's about stabilizing and continuing on despite the damage, accepting the damage as part of who you are and being proud that you made it through.

@mgmchicago

3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful, intelligent observation.

@_nttai

3 жыл бұрын

Well said

@aurora7442

3 жыл бұрын

And also, even if you’re damaged to hell and back.. it still helps to clean the surface and stabilise the damage so it doesn’t spread to the rest of you/the painting

@MrLuigge

3 жыл бұрын

can't agree more, that is very true... I have never thought about someone wanting to conservate the current state of a painting, instead of making it new. that is truly impressive

@StraightHeffin

3 жыл бұрын

Noice

Anyone else use these to fall asleep to, but ALWAYS come back in the morning to find the spot where you fell asleep and finish the rest?? It’s so relaxing, but too good not to watch in its entirety 🥰

@emmahank

2 жыл бұрын

haha yes

@gypsysnickerdoodle4354

2 жыл бұрын

Yes. frequently

@douglas95OH

2 жыл бұрын

This is too accurate!

@frostyskeletons8950

2 жыл бұрын

I actually only re-watch ones to fall asleep because I’m too captivated to sleep the first time around lol

@rachelgrace6708

2 жыл бұрын

Yesss ... just woke up from an amazing nap😊

I really love what the client was going for here. I can picture a library full of old paintings that were left behind and forgotten, but are now able to continue on in peace, frozen in time rather than rewinding the clock.

Julian: No one will ever know that I did any treatment. Everyone: OK. We did not see anything. Love all of your videos.

Julian: talks philosophically while we see work being done on the painting Regulars: Is this leading to a new approach or an add?

@wonderwend1

3 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣

@leonbyrne4339

3 жыл бұрын

Julian: Starts talking slightly out of cadence and makes an odd but applicable analogy Regulars: *insert Leonardo DiCaprio pointing meme* Hey I know this part

Client: "Just stabilize it." Julian: "Gotcha, stabilize and clean it " Client: "No, just stabilize it." Julian: "And clean it." Client: "Just. Stabilize. It." Julian: *"And. Clean. It."*

@hamletksquid2702

3 жыл бұрын

I've never restored a painting, but I used to repair machinery and I can't count the number of times the customer said "It just needs a switch". I used to wonder if, when their car broke down, they insisted the mechanic just give them a new key.

@hamletksquid2702

3 жыл бұрын

@@NuclearTopSpot - Ah, yes. The sweet sting of old PTSD. Believe it or not, at my current job we occasionally get a customer who insists on paying more than asked. One example from fairly recently was a guy who makes custom jewelry - he brought in a rock tumbler where the main shaft had worked loose from the main casting and he wanted a hole drilled and tapped for a set screw to hold it firm. My boss got into it, drilled out the hole, made and installed a bushing, then made a new shaft and a new neoprene drive roller. He basically rebuilt the whole machine and then tried to charge the guy the price that the work he asked for would have cost, and a cheap price even for that. When the customer came in to pick it up, he handed me twice what we were asking and refused to take any back. Little odd jobs like that are like a break for us, and I think the boss started to enjoy doing it and just kept going. Making something that just has to work is a nice change from stressing and trying to make things as close to perfect as possible.

@terkish6203

3 жыл бұрын

@@hamletksquid2702 what do you normally work on?

@hamletksquid2702

3 жыл бұрын

@@terkish6203 - Metal. I do a type of high-precision machining called Jig Grinding, which is literally the most precise type of general machining. Optical stuff is more precise, but that's specialty work. We typically grind (mostly) holes to within .0001 inch (.0025mm) of the specified size. Unfortunately, the really cool jobs we get are from companies that are part of small circles (like where there's only one company that makes the product), and they wouldn't like me talking about their business on the internet. Some of what we work on is what I call "CNN jobs" where if you screw it up, you' might find out from Wolf Blitzer. It's a fully-equipped machine shop where my boss has forty years experience on the job, and the former boss with fifty years comes in to help and avoid his wife. I've only been there about twenty years, so I'm the new guy.

@fernandagoncalvesdesousa8801

3 жыл бұрын

You made me laugh after a hard day. Thanks 😊

A) there are difficult clients regardless of the field of work. B) Props to Julian for being patient and respecting the client's wishes. C) I would absolutely love to hear what Julian would have done if he had had full control over the decisions being made.

The painting is beautiful in it's state. The subject was young, in the prime of his life but the painting's condition shows the passage of time. All things, even art has a life span.

@cgktsr

Ай бұрын

This is a beautiful comment

i wish i had enough money to 1. own a cool old painting 2. hire julian to conserve it

@marianacavalcante6348

3 жыл бұрын

Bro saame everytime I watch his videos I think about it loool

@ArtHistorywithAlder

3 жыл бұрын

I was also thinking how I wished I somehow had a cool painting from history...

@isen4170

3 жыл бұрын

this is literally me every time I see his videos!!

@paptapto22

3 жыл бұрын

Keep an eye out in charity shops

@juliaelliot981

3 жыл бұрын

I have a few paintings but I don't think I could afford to have him fix them, every time I look at them it kinda makes me sad that I know they are dirty and one has a small hole but I just can't afford the fix.

Client: "and don't forget to use Elmer's glue after the staples" Julian: "Get out, NOW!!!"

@philthethotdestroyer4194

3 жыл бұрын

Client: "and Polyurathane as a varnish"

@annikah9020

3 жыл бұрын

oh god, not the polyurethane

@MagicalHatStudios

3 жыл бұрын

@@annikah9020 never again

The client: i don't want anyone to know that you worked on the painting Julian: ok, then i'm gonna expose you on KZread

@Melospizia

3 жыл бұрын

😂

This unironically made me emotional. Our scars are a part of us all, and yet we are still beautiful in spite of them, just like this painting.

@apoIIc

7 ай бұрын

I like the idea that the fact that the scars exists, gives the painting its beauty. The painting wouldn’t be the same if it had never been damaged.

Julian tells the client that cleaning the painting will make it look better but also not limit his ability to varnish the painting. Julian then doesn’t varnish the painting because it can’t adhere to raw canvas. I’m onto you, Julian.

@Polin-dx5ru

3 жыл бұрын

Glad I’m not the only one who caught that!!!

@saraghhh

3 жыл бұрын

@National Socialism He would only do that if the client wasn’t happy with how it looked after it was cleaned and wanted it to go back to looking dirty, though.

@tesicnr

3 жыл бұрын

like when he said "I always face my paintings" and then the next video he didn't :-D

@abouttime837

3 жыл бұрын

@@saraghhh but then he’d be damaging the painting by adding irreversible tinted varnish

@laurenwasinger9436

2 жыл бұрын

Just have them mount it over the fireplace and smoke pipes in front of it. Dirty it up in no time.

It's the pain in his voice everytime he says "but that's what my client wants..."

Client: heres a painting we want you to conserve Julian: okay cool Client: but don’t conserve it Julian: ???

It seems a stroke of incredible luck that so much of both eyes were maintained through this painting's life, especially for the subject's left eye. Even though all of the paint loss is being maintained, it is still able to gaze right back at you.

Julian to Client: "We could always put a tinted varnish on it to restore the dirty look..." Julian to Us: "the raw canvas makes a varnish totally irreversible so of course we're not going to do that"

@Ksenisan

3 жыл бұрын

I wonder if julian would actually put the tinted varnish on the bits of paint only and not the canvas?..

@MissLilyputt

3 жыл бұрын

He did say when he was cleaning the painting that he told the client that by not cleaning it, he could not varnish it yet he still didn’t varnish it. I’m so confused by that.

@Lena-fc9ce

3 жыл бұрын

@@MissLilyputt well the way he phrased it makes me think he told the client a tinted varnish was an option if they didnt like how clean the painting would look. im guessing the client saw the cleaned painting and didnt feel "fake dirt" was necessary.

@aurafluff

3 жыл бұрын

@@Ksenisan exactly what I'm thinking

@alexandrawalker2469

3 жыл бұрын

julian!!!! we have some questions!

The cool thing is, the owner could change his mind, have Julian restore it, then change his mind again and have him return it to its original. Julian’s reversible techniques are amazing.

@suitov

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, this. I really appreciate how everything he's done leaves the opportunity open for future generations of the client's family to make different decisions. Grandchildren want it restored? Julian's grandchild swoops in with the isolation layer, archival, reversible.

@p2nd4_31

3 жыл бұрын

@@suitov LMFAOOOO julian’s grandchildren need to keep his legacy alive

@gmansplit

3 жыл бұрын

I mean, they're also standard conservator practice. Julian isn't special or magic; his techniques are rather standard today.

@suitov

3 жыл бұрын

I don't doubt it. I'd be impressed watching any other skilled conservator too. There's something magic about seeing any craftsman doing their thing.

His newer style of making his videos, gives me Reading Rainbow vibes and I love it. It’s comforting and brings me back to being a kid learning something new but with adult content. So lovely.

@dbrooke3629

Жыл бұрын

It really reminds me of the old PBS shows

As cool as it would’ve been to see this painting fully retouched, there’s something really striking about that right eye showing through all the damage. Kind of beautiful in its own way!

A Brawler and a Contrarian... Damn, Julian's meeting matches left and right.

@URAUNTSANDI

3 жыл бұрын

ᕦ(ò_óˇ)ᕤ Like a champ!!

@tuliozeron6774

3 жыл бұрын

the knight of the golden scalpel, maybe?

@Liastnir

3 жыл бұрын

Nooo, he hasn't met his match yet! :D

@beanus7394

3 жыл бұрын

julien got hands sheesh

Marie Kondo: "Does this spark joy?" Julien: "Yes. Literally every scrap of conservation material I've ever touched sparks joy. I will use every atom of this Belgian linen." :-)

@isabellepanza5679

3 жыл бұрын

and every scrap of adhesive!

@arranaburden5667

3 жыл бұрын

All the silicon release film from all the heat-activated, iron-on adhesive. It's not garbage!

@lw1626

3 жыл бұрын

And old used keys and bent nails!

@milenamartins21

3 жыл бұрын

I guess being a hoarder has its advantages

@hoperules8874

3 жыл бұрын

Best Comment!

"If ego can be cast aside for humility, and convenience for curiosity, then the opportunity to fundamentally rethink conservation and what defines a solution exists." That is not just exciting, Julian, it's a life lesson. It's fascinating how the endeavour to conserve a painting brings forth the very challenges and dramas of life itself. So much to learn from your channel, most of it intrinsic to the human experience.

I would love to see this painting digitally retouched, this way we could have an idea of what it looked liked originally, but still keeping the charm.

I like how clear it is that Julian disagrees with the conservation decisions about this painting, but won't insult the client outright

@camillrgagne4875

3 жыл бұрын

He's mastered the art of subtle condescension

@jonprince3237

3 жыл бұрын

You don't bite the hand that feeds you. I assume that if any disagreement had been intractable then the painting wouldn't have been in the studio to begin with. The client clearly had a mind for what they wanted, irrespective of whether others might agree or feel it appropriate. It seems to be a very measured and sensitive conservation that satisfied the client's wishes whilst doing what was strictly necessary to preserve what was left. Work completed, client satisfied, painting continues to exist in some form other than dust on the carpet, I'd call that a win for the artisan and hopefully a decent paycheck for his troubles. The only thing I could fundamentally disagree with is that perhaps the client fails to fully appreciate that the conservation process is as much a part of that painting's history now as the years of hard knocks it's taken, and as such it isn't something that needs to be hidden if the intent was to wear its years with pride. But equally we can all appreciate the knowledge and skill required to hide it effectively, as per the client's preference.

@thumperjo5394

3 жыл бұрын

these comments are so funny to me it’s like y’all never heard of tact in minor professional disagreements

Honestly I agree with the client on this one, sometimes the "scars" can tell just as much of a story as painting itself, especially with this one, there's something haunting about the fact that one of the eyes is almost perfectly intact peering out from behind the damage.

I kind of like the Client's attitude, and the end result. There is a certain beauty to extreme age and its effects. It's like the guy is at once as fresh as the day he was painted, and also clearly looking back at the observer through the centuries.

client: dont clean the painting julian: * deskslams * i will clean this painting and if you really want i will make it dirty again but the right way! client: ok ok chill

@CraftingCake

3 жыл бұрын

It just came to my mind. He offered to make it dirty again with tinted virnish but he can't out a clean virnish on it because there is too much exposed canvas...

@GambinoTheGoat

3 жыл бұрын

@@CraftingCake at the end of the day, * just fix it smh *

@mwater_moon2865

3 жыл бұрын

@@CraftingCake he could apply the tinted varnish by hand, whereas that's way too much work for just trying to coat the paint and still have it look good

For anyone confused. Picture it like this: Rather than REVIVE the painting from its death, Julian put the painting at rest. It will be less vulnerable to more changes and thus, its history is over. You are now seeing the final product of the painting's life.

@cooperwarner159

3 жыл бұрын

I love the idea of him putting the painting to rest. Making it as comfortable as possible.

@user-mv9tt4st9k

3 жыл бұрын

I like the idea of putting the painting to rest. It is a nice metaphor for stopping further aging. 🙂

@loretohidalgo3533

2 жыл бұрын

the client has a kintsugi thinking. the cracks and imperfections give value to the painting. I understand their point of view

@officialflikz

2 жыл бұрын

I'm sure that's what the painter wanted, that his painting "died" one day

@JV-bc8um

2 жыл бұрын

That's so sad to me. This guy has beautiful eyes that I would like to see whole again 😁

In the car hotrodding community there is a style known as a "RatRod". In essence the original donor car body is kept exactly as it is, rusty places are not "repaired" but rather treated so that the rust no longer spreads, small dents, scratches and other damaged places are treated the same way and what is left of the often faded and discolored paintwork is left looking exactly as is with maybe bit of extra, invisible protection from the elements added. The result is a hotrod that proudly shows its age, its scars, the hardships that it had to endure to get to this point in time. That essence is what makes this restoration, this piece of art, so special and unique. This piece will hang on a wall and say to the world, to every person that views it, "THIS IS WHAT I AM NOW, USE YOUR IMAGINATION TO SEE WHAT I WAS IN A TIME GONE BY". And for each person looking at this piece the imagined "before" image in their head will be different, be unique, be special. Kudos to the owner for sticking to their guns and insisting that only repairs are carried out to prevent further deterioration of the piece. And to Julian for "persuading" the owner to allow cleaning of only the surviving paint and for so carefully restoring what I would call a "Rat Portrait" for want of a better term, to be everything it can be despite it's bad and sad past.

For me, there's a difference between the cleaning and the retouching - cleaning away the dirt allows the artist's first vision to be seen - while retouching can't bring back the original painting in anyway. I do appreciate the retouching and I don't think it's wrong or shouldn't be done at all! However, in this case, I do respect the owners point of view of allowing the painting's own journey to remain and also yours of also allowing us to see what the artist original intended on those parts of the painting where that's possible.

There is something about seeing the date written by someone in that time, it makes things so much more real! It’s crazy to think someone nonchalantly wrote that in 1871 not thinking millions of people would see it on KZread years and years later

@eddiegreif2715

3 жыл бұрын

I thought exactly this when i saw that. It made me think about how meaningless it is to worry about if the art/work you create is good enough. Because in time, just the fact you created it during a certain period is considered super valuable

@ArtHistorywithAlder

3 жыл бұрын

Same thought. We write so many dates with little thought. But just a date can bring so much context and meaning

@_TheMushroomMan

3 жыл бұрын

you can put like 5 strokes of random colors on a canvas and like 500 years later it will be bought by some rich dude for 150 bucks at a pawn shop as long as you put the date on it

@pawpatrolnews

3 жыл бұрын

How do you know the person from the 1800's wrote the date not knowing it would be on KZread? You were not alive back then

@badmanjones179

3 жыл бұрын

@@pawpatrolnews you know he did it for that 1870s clout

Julian is pretty much the only KZreadr I will willingly sit through ads for just so I can support him

@sphaceboy

3 жыл бұрын

Me too

@Twielyeght

3 жыл бұрын

I supported the patreon, but I still watch the ad videos lol. I'm always impressed haha.

@pawpatrolnews

3 жыл бұрын

Eww... ads 🤮

@IShotTheDeathstar

3 жыл бұрын

9 ads in a 40 min video is kind of absurd though. I couldn’t even finish this video.

@AmosTupper

3 жыл бұрын

But too many ads on this video

Any time I see any painting anywhere, now, my internal Julian begins talking about stabilizing and cleaning that painting 😄

I don't know art. I don't understand art and most of the time I don't care for, or care about art. So why when you were cleaning this man's face did I find myself talking to him about 'if he only knew how the world was now'? Then I found myself gently crying. It was his eyes as you cleaned them, they connected to me, had depth.......I don't know how to explain it. I don't have the words for the experience I just had. I am big burley working class middle aged man in England and I still don't understand art but no doubt art just touched me deeper than vision alone! By the way. I lived many years surrounded by the best sculpture man ever created in Athens and I still didn't get it. I am gob smacked and some how humbled. Thanks.

I love how Julian's videos have become more and more like philosophical journeys centered on artworks instead of simply watching him conserve the art. I feel a little bit like my heart is being conserved when I watch these videos; it's a wonderful feeling.

@johnbutler5443

3 жыл бұрын

One could also say that he is becoming more and more annoyingly full of himself with each new video......

@zevolaful

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnbutler5443 I mean one could, but if that were the case I'd advise them to chill and maybe stop watching instead of leaving nasty, snide comments. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

@sonnyjimm23

2 жыл бұрын

@@zevolaful Or one could appreciate that the point of watching said videos is for a relaxing enjoyable ASMR experience and not a philosophy lesson based on the opinion of a single humans beliefs and values. When that opinion is ego based and centres mostly on other people's inferiority rather than the viewers experience of said video, it's natural to not have the same ASMR experience that one used to appreciate from past videos. Hearing one continuously complain about the reason one has a job is not a valuable contribution to the views experience, it's being a martyr for martyrs sake.

@zevolaful

2 жыл бұрын

@@sonnyjimm23 I've got terrific news for you (and possibly John Butler if they're interested): Julian releases an ASMR version of these as well where you don't have to deal with the understandable complaints of the person providing you with free entertainment. Life is short, try to be less salty.

@zevolaful

2 жыл бұрын

@@sonnyjimm23 I'd like to apologize for being so snarky earlier. Countering negativity with negativity won't get anyone anywhere. Instead I'd like to genuinely offer you a few of my favorite restoration channels that have more of an asmr format: AT Restoration, LADB Restoration, and Handtool Rescue are all very audio-centric with little to no talking and I wonder if that might be more what you're looking for? Or, if you enjoy a softly spoken voice type of asmr I'd highly suggest The French Whisperer ASMR who talks about many, many topics in a factual way or simply reads aloud from existing texts, or Luke Towan who builds miniatures and softly talks you through the construction process. Either way, I hope you're having a good day and that you're safe and healthy.

people seeing this painting in the future: this painting has clearly not been restored Julien, in the shadows: muhahahhahaha

@angelatheriault8855

3 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣

@ArtHistorywithAlder

3 жыл бұрын

😂

I'm a historian, so naturally, I'm also obsessed with the past and how it shows itself in the present, and I honestly get the client's desires, there's some sort of tragic romance in that portrait. Without the damage, it would be just another portrait. With the damage, it represents the ravages of time, the loss of identity as time goes on, and the heroic struggle for a will to remain cogent and "there" as time passes. This portrait is beautiful because it shows the fatalistic component of our condition. It represents destiny itself laughing at our attempts to simply remain after time.

I must say I love how confident you’ve become! It’s great to see the face and personality behind the conservator. You do such a great job letting the original art shine again.

31:38 "But instead of retouching on the front, well, I'm gonna retouch the back." Biggest plot twist of 2021. M. Night Shyamalan is shaking

"So, retouching would add HOW much to the cost? Nah son, leave it as it is"

@yazdhenab.

3 жыл бұрын

at this point it's not retouching, it's a full restoration ^^

@Monica_bondevik

3 жыл бұрын

Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if that played a huge role in their decision on this painting.

@alyakritikanzer8162

3 жыл бұрын

​@@Monica_bondevik it would have ruined all of the story! How Grandma threw her personal bible at Grandpa when she caught his with the kitchen maid and he ducked it and the canvas was torn, how Aunt Lilly got mad and splashed acid on the painting as the man reminded her of her ex-boyfriend (and after reading too much Arthur Conan Doyle' stories), how the third cousin removed came and flooded the house as she forgot to shut the water in the top floor bathroom...

@UltimateKyuubiFox

3 жыл бұрын

@@alyakritikanzer8162 ... Is this YOUR painting?

@alyakritikanzer8162

3 жыл бұрын

@@UltimateKyuubiFox No, I am speculating :)

I'm not into fine arts, I'm just a farmer from rural Finland. But whoa, that craftmanship is incredible. All that patience, working methods, knowledge about materials... Magical to watch.

I understand the client’s wish, blabla, but I wanted to see Julian how he would work miracle on this painting 😭❤️

Can we just talk about how hard Julien must work on these videos for them to be the quality content we all crave? Well done sir.. Well done.

@KSignalEingang

3 жыл бұрын

I love the fact he's still trying new things with every video. Not that I would have complained if he'd decided to find a formula and stick to it (I still re-watch the older videos after all) but to me it reveals a lot about JB as a person - relentlessly inquisitive, always on the lookout for new ways to improve... The man's an inspiration.

@aliciamersdorf4426

3 жыл бұрын

Hear! Hear!

@vahgarimo9864

3 жыл бұрын

I am constantly amazed at how often Julien posts compared to the quality of each post. Basically twice a month. Don’t know how he does it.

No one : Julian: *obligatory shot showing off his new favorite oak weight, now with a cool knob!*

@chaconcha

3 жыл бұрын

I think it was a gift from a subscriber

@MashaRistova

2 жыл бұрын

I don’t think you know what “obligatory” means

@tenochmorales9009

2 жыл бұрын

@@MashaRistova I think obligatory was the right word

Julian, I understand that your client doesn’t want to erase the history of the painting. A few years ago I found a treasure in a rural antique’s store. A tired dresser covered in floral marquetry reminiscent of the floral still lives of Jan van Huysum, and purchased it. The restorer confirmed that it is Dutch, ca. 1740. I found a treasure! I asked him to restore it gently, I didn’t want to erase its scars but of course the marquetry needed to be stabilized and it needed cleaning. I asked him to give it “a spa day”, not “a facelift”. Not restored within an inch. Wax, not varnish. Later I found a pristine floral mezzotint in the style of Van Huysum, also mid 18th century. It hangs above the dresser. They survived through the winds of time and give me so much joy! It’s my little Rijksmuseum corner in my own home. Delightful. (I am Dutch, an amateur student of art history and history.)

I found this oddly emotional I love that the owners obviously appreciate this gentleman as he is and that the money spent was on keeping him safe and damaged but what is damage and in whose eyes? Personally I love it

The look on Julian's face while separating the one part of the stretcher bar is me opening super-rare books. 'please don't break, please don't break, please don't break.'

@TheRealLyrelia

3 жыл бұрын

I adore your name x)

@gratuitousumlaut1944

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRealLyrelia Thank you!

Julian: "nobody knows that I was there" Me: "well now, me and another 14k viewers know you were there"

@tuffymartinez

3 жыл бұрын

HA....tm

@MyFireElf

3 жыл бұрын

That and the big-ass crisp white Baumgartner sticker on the back.

@kidmohair8151

3 жыл бұрын

@@MyFireElf which some future conservator will look at and shake their head at... unless...the whole story comes along with the future customer... whaddyathink the chances are of that happening?

My cat hopped on the entertainment system to watch this video. She really enjoyed the sound of the tape and the flattening of the paint back onto the canvas!

It's a cool change of pace to see Julian tackling something that's so strictly ONLY conservation and not restoration (and this feels like a perfect candidate for that kind of work, so much damage there's no way to know if any retouching would be true to the original). I'd love to know how this painting got in such a poor state to begin with, looks like it's been seriously manhandled!

The only thing that comes to my mind is this hypothetical discussion between Julian and the Client J: Nobody's gonna know C: They're gonna know J: How would they know? How would they know? C: I can't, I can't-

@tuffymartinez

3 жыл бұрын

HA, funny Veronica.....tm

@laurapiacentinicasarin8205

3 жыл бұрын

OMG YES

@fabiolima1673

3 жыл бұрын

Except now we all know lol

@kitty_sweetums

3 жыл бұрын

Yeesss🤣

@isabelarodrigues5941

3 жыл бұрын

now i want julian to create a tiktok account

“The customer is always right” does require a lot of humility. You are passionate about your art, but still providing a service to a family. Well done.

@l4nd3r

3 жыл бұрын

That's a famous fallacy, the customer is not always right, as proven by how Julian handled things, if he had done just as they wanted the painting would've been in a pretty bad in a few years. Yeah, you can't scream at the client, but there are ways (to at least try) to convince them to see your side of things. No point in Julian putting his name in a bad job (that was what the clients were pretty much asking).

@TheDivasoprano

3 жыл бұрын

@@l4nd3r well said

If I had been the client I would’ve had Julian restore the face and leave the background damage. I loved this video and how Julian always strives to give the clients what they want (within reason)

I wish there were more clients like these! These paintings have history and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Perhaps it reminds me of myself. I spent my whole life hiding how broken I am, but now that I’m not doing that I feel like I’m finally going to feel better. For this artwork, it feels like the painting had a lot of trauma and Julian helped it become stable and take care of itself, so it was very moving

I was watching it with my 2yo and when she saw Julian's bandaid she looked very upset and exclaimed "booboo!". Amélia wants you to take care, Julian.

Beyond art conservation, this is a class on extraordinary customer service; and beyond that: a class on how to tackle life’s problems.

@Shpoovy

3 жыл бұрын

@Chordstride The right side has so little detail left that it would be more of an "educated guess" than a restoration at that point. Even if he tried there would be practically no chance that it would actually look like the original.

@Babewhat

3 жыл бұрын

How to ‘tack’le life’s problems, you could say👀

@albertocarballomontenegro9686

3 жыл бұрын

@@Shpoovy But at least he would have completed de face...

@tuckersossaman4485

3 жыл бұрын

And beyond that a class on how to find the clitoris

@Fluffymonkeyem

3 жыл бұрын

@Chordstride I don't think it's always about money. I agree with the client on this one. It's too damaged and conserving it fully would put too much of the conservator into it. Damaged things can be beautiful. I'm sure it would be gorgeous fully conserved but I like it just as it is with its history.

100% the type of client that immediately peels off Julian's restoration sticker with all the important information about the work, materials, and processes he used and tosses it in the garbage.

I only now finished watching this conservation because the three times I tried before I fell asleep long before the video ended. So soothing.

This portrait has such character. Almost magic how that left eye survived despite the catastrophic damage to that half of his face

@edwinlewis6568

2 жыл бұрын

I thought exactly the same before scrolling the comments ❣

@-CrySa-

Жыл бұрын

Probably because the paint used on the eye was stronger and more stable. But it does look really cool

Man he's the most satisfying conservator.

@vitaobrien4269

3 жыл бұрын

@@genesis5347 no, he's the most satisfying human on youtube

@fromfin90

3 жыл бұрын

how many conservators have you had to do with? i've tried checking and this guy is the only art conservator i've seen

@Stettafire

3 жыл бұрын

@@fromfin90 I hired a guy IRL. A British conservator, he restored a painting of my nana's. I've not encountered any others on youtube, but I have encountered some in real life. It's easier to find furniture conservators then painting conservators I think, one is more fashionable then the other. Lots of people have old furniture, not many folk have old paintings.

@believer9062

3 жыл бұрын

The G.O.A.T of all conservators

@comradewindowsill4253

3 жыл бұрын

@@fromfin90 usually if you check museum accounts they have many different conservations posted, including painting conservation.

I'm a journalist. I met a rich client, otherwise a reader of my newspaper, who gave me the task of making a compromise with my profession, with journalism. He said: I will pay you as much as you ask, just to write lies about my life, write that I am older than I am, write that I am like a good wine… I am a journalist, and I declaratively fight for my profession and for the truth, but a client is a client , and money is money. I agreed to a well-paid compromise. Dear Julian, you are the world's top art restorer. Why are the laws of your profession not ahead of the demands of ignorant clients and their money? Simply put: something cannot be crossed. There is no compromise when it comes to the dignity of the profession.

I love this restoration. In a way you're conserving the history of this painting. The *complete* history of this painting. While also helping it last so future generations can see it.

Imagine if you had a video of Julian that you could watch on those bad days. He’s calmly telling you that sure, there are those bad days, but if you don’t go out to meet the bad day head on, you run the risk of being lined with PVC glue and polyester. Wouldn’t you rather be lined with Belgian Linen? Go tackle that bad day. And then he smiles at you and nods. You can do it.

@mgmchicago

3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful, intelligent observation.

@MagikarpPunk

3 жыл бұрын

I would pay literal money for this

@amazinggrace5692

3 жыл бұрын

Just the comment I needed today.💕🐝

@agnieszkakowalska9658

3 жыл бұрын

I need this! Art therapy, but we are the "art".

@ChristinaTodd1970

3 жыл бұрын

You forgot the silk organza.

I’ve been following Julian for a long time and it’s incredible how refined the whole production has become. I feel privileged to watch these videos. A modern day Bob Ross or Mister Rogers unfolding before our very eyes.

@mdmphd

3 жыл бұрын

It became one of my pandemic joys. Plus, I'm fascinated with this kind of detail work.

@user-mv9tt4st9k

3 жыл бұрын

Julian has better toys, even as a contemporary comparison. 😂

@mdmphd

3 жыл бұрын

@@user-mv9tt4st9k I wonder if his dressing room(an enormous walk in closet with a padded bench for dressing)/mancave is a squalid mess while the rest of the house and studio is in pinpoint order.

I really like this conservation for it's honesty. It's conservation as almost solely preservation rather than recreation.

This is my favorite restoration because it’s exactly the kind of restoration I like! Letting things tell their entire history, good and bad, satisfies me in ways that even a perfect traditional restoration rarely does. Right now as I’m watching this video I’m transferring an old patch from a vest to a piece of acrylic because the patch has deteriorated over the past 4+ years. But it was made by my partner at the time and has gone everywhere with me. Since I don’t feel comfortable risking the patch anymore and the rest of my vest is holding up well enough, I’m giving both of them more practical time in the world by turning the patch into a small piece of wall art that carries a story well beyond its 4”x6” frame.

The tone of his voice and the flow of the way he speaks is like poetry

@andimoz

3 жыл бұрын

his voice would be great for audiobooks

@goodneighborsw

3 жыл бұрын

@@CorneliusRandom yeah his voiceovers have become way more.....pretentious. i prefer his asmr videos nowadays. he’s obviously good at his job but the scripting bothers me a lot for some reason.

@ChristinaTodd1970

3 жыл бұрын

That’s because he’s speaking poetry.

I have never wanted to know the history of a painting more than this one ...

@KristenK78

3 жыл бұрын

And I think that is exactly what the customer wanted from this conservation. They wanted a vehicle for the painting’s story.

@mdmphd

3 жыл бұрын

SO much. He was attractive and wealthy enough, had at least a middle class background and this was most certainly unveiled, perhaps with a family ceremony and on a wall in a place of honor.

@ArtHistorywithAlder

3 жыл бұрын

I really want to know the history of it as well...

Gotta say I agree with the client here. There's this ethereal feel to the painting as is. A man slowly fading away with the passing a time, a relic of the past slowly reclaiming from the dust it became. The eyes really stand out. Excellent work preserving something without it seeming like anything was done.

About the handled weight - you can see that Julian really loved the viewer's gift. He's proud of it. And kudos to the guy who brilliantly had the idea and made it - I couldn't think of a better gift for Julian. Well, maybe except a box full of washikozo... 👏👏👏👏

The painting is like: "I don't feel so good Mr. Baumgartner" Btw I understand the wish of not completely restoring it because the "destroyed" part of the painting melt perfectly with the face and it's symbolically strong.

@unavoidablycanadian397

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, he was being End Game'd.

This is incredibly beautiful. The client's insistence on keeping the damage has created a work of art in itself. While you were cleaning it I was blown away by just how perfect the damage seemed to flow with the painting itself. The scar through the mouth, and the fragmenting face, and the left eye peering through the damage, just beautiful. One of my favorite conservations by far.

@yoosirname816

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly! The damage itself is beautiful and makes this painting unique, not just another 19th century portrait. It reminds me of that Sister Wendy video where she reflects on her favorite piece in the Met, a fragmentary sculpture of an Egyptian Queen. We can admire the art itself, but also have the ability to appreciate the beauty of the contrast between the painting and the damage.

I absolutely get why the client wanted to keep the years and the aging process on the painting but I was impressed by how RIGHT Julian was about cleaning it! After cleaning, you can really see the painting they'd saved and why. A beautiful job. I'm a little tearful.

It's a relief that Julian was able to bring the client around to allowing the remaining work to be cleaned. Scars are fine but, for pity's sake, take a bath.

Why do I want to take a screen cap of the end result and put this guy’s face in photoshop to figure out what he would look like whole again. It’s soooo so tempting

@Ina552

3 жыл бұрын

Do it! I'd wanna see too :D

@zabi_aka

3 жыл бұрын

I'm curious as well

@51WCDodge

3 жыл бұрын

But surley that is what the Conservator and client want? The story of why it is.

@theMoporter

3 жыл бұрын

@@51WCDodge The client is paying Julian, not us!

@Stettafire

3 жыл бұрын

@@51WCDodge Yes but a photoshop version will always be just a copy, not the original. A screencap can only capture limited quality versus the real life version. In my personal opinion they can exist in tandem.

This whole video is like ' I don't want to do it like this, but my CLIENT does for some reason '

I love that he always includes a life lesson and wisdom for us while he's at it.

Got to agree with the client here- some folks want to see the subject, some folks want to see the *object*. In as much as a fully restored painting is a conversation piece, a painting that wears so much of its existence so outwardly is also a conversation piece.

Julian has gotten me through some of the worst days. Today I had a huge panic attack until i vomited from the stress. I saw the notification for this video, curled up under a blanket, and just existed in his space for awhile. Thank you for sharing this with us. You make a bigger impact than you know 💕

@costa_marco

3 жыл бұрын

You will be fine! I have faith on you. The simple fact that you commented here shows how amazing a person you are.

@MagikarpPunk

3 жыл бұрын

@@costa_marco honestly, these videos always make my days better. I'm just glad we can all collectively admire his hard work and skills. I appreciate your reply so much 💞

@smallandhasty

3 жыл бұрын

Hey @Bex Bee. I too have gotten through difficult times to the soothing tones of these videos and share your appreciation for both the skill and the safe space. Sending you a hot cup of tea and solidarity and a reminder that you have the strength inside you to make it through.

@tkfaf15

3 жыл бұрын

Sending you hugs & love. The older I get the less panic attacks I have but I still remember how hard they are to get through. I'm glad you've find things like this video that helps.

@MagikarpPunk

3 жыл бұрын

@@tkfaf15 i appreciate the kind words. I'm in therapy so they're not as frequent as before but damn do they still suck 😷

I am glad your client consented to the cleaning because the contrast of the cleaned painting versus the damage/history of it is rather satisfying

@guillermojperea6355

3 жыл бұрын

I liked it better dirty because of the less contrast precisely...

The cleaned paint enhances the contrast of the damage and makes it look that much more intriguing. I'll bet the owners were very happy with it.

I find these videos of Jullian and his careful restoration very calming. It's miles away from the craziness of our lives

I feel like I should be paying for this

@2nd3rd1st

3 жыл бұрын

You have, 37 minutes of your life span.

@StarCrusher.

3 жыл бұрын

You are. By watching 10(!) ads.

@LALew850

3 жыл бұрын

Patreon 👍

@brunalopes1875

3 жыл бұрын

@@StarCrusher. I watched right after it got posted so it was ad free 🙏🏼

@brunalopes1875

3 жыл бұрын

@@2nd3rd1st great