The conservation of art—preserving objects through professional, specialized treatment—is one of the Museum of Fine Art’s most important goals. This small, intensive exhibition, which is the second iteration of the Live Conservation series, focuses on the treatment of the museum’s extraordinary carved and painted Jain Shrine. This rare object, which was used for daily worship by members of the Jain faith in a private home, preserves most of its original surface. However, over time dust, soot, and the touch of hands have dulled its rich colors.
Over the coming months, Luis Seixas—our renowned alumnus of the conservation program at the prestigious Universidade Nova, Lisbon—will undertake the task of meticulously cleaning, consolidating, and restoring this precious artifact live in the Minck Gallery.
Among the most important goals of modern conservation is assuring that any alteration—including repairs or repainting—returns the object as much as possible to its original appearance. This exceptional, experiential project will allow visitors to see the conservation process and interact with the conservator—allowing them to ask questions about treatment, technique, and materials.
The exhibition will also shed light on the Jain faith. One of the world’s oldest religions, Jainism originated in India at least 2,500 years ago. Followers of the faith practice a nonviolent life, or ahimsa, which requires adherents to have as little negative impact on other life forms as possible. Through this, Jains hope to attain liberation from the endless cycle of rebirth, ultimately achieving an all-knowing state called moksha. The shrine would have been for daily prayers as part of Jain religious practice.
Live Conservation: Restoring a Jain Shrine will occur most weekdays (Tuesday through Friday) between 10 am–2 pm, with a break around noon. Special Saturday sessions will be as follows:
Saturday, July 20
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday, August 17
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday, September 21
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday, October 12
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
LIVE CONSERVATION MADE POSSIBLE BY THE MFA GUILD.
Formerly known as the Collectors Circle, a dedicated support group of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg since 1995, the MFA Guild brings together collectors, benefactors, and art enthusiasts. Members of the MFA Guild enjoy exclusive benefits, including special trips, educational experiences, and unique fundraising opportunities to further support the museum.
The primary aim of this group is to enhance the MFA Collection through art acquisition and collections care. The Museum is profoundly thankful for the contributions of the MFA Collectors Circle, whose philanthropic generosity has enriched the MFA Collection with 41 works of art spanning various periods, styles, and media.
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Images:
Unknown Artist, active Patan, Gujarat State, India, Jain Shrine (detail), c. 1600, Carved and painted wood, Gift of Louis E. Seley and sons Hervey and Elliott, Jr.