Young Man as a Shepherd
Equally exciting is the departure of Adopted works from the
Gallery to be conserved. Peter Lely’sYoung
Man as a Shepherd is one such
candidate. Having left the Gallery earlier this year, this magical
work has already been relined to strengthen its structure and the
darkened and yellowed varnishes on the young boy and the
surrounding landscape have been removed. Currently, X-rays and
pigment analysis are revealing more about the makings and structure
of the painting. Due to return to the Gallery shortly, the original
vibrancy and lyrical appearance of Lely’s painting will have been
rescued from fading and obscurity.