Public conservation treatment
June to October 2026
Experience the conservation treatment of a remarkable masterpiece up close: Occasio from in the workshop of Peter Paul Rubens is one of the most important paintings in the Siegerland Museum’s collection. The work is now undergoing essential conservation treatment, during which it will be cleaned, stabilized, and re-stretched.
What makes this project special is that the treatment is taking place directly in the museum. This offers a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and witness the conservation of a historic work of art at close range. The conservation studio is separated by privacy screens, but integrated windows still offer occasional fascinating glimpses into the conservator’s work. On selected dates, visitors can also observe conservator Petra Becher at work up close, ask questions, and learn more about the diverse tasks involved in the conservation of paintings.
The treatment also offers a firt glimpse of the major Rubens anniversary exhibition at the Siegerland Museum in 2027 (25 April–18 July 2027). The exhibition forms part of the anniversary year celebrating the 450th birthday of the world-famous artist.
On this page, we will follow the treatment step by step and regularly share updates on its progress and other fascinating developments.
Public Sessions
On the following dates, visitors can gain fascinating live insights into the work of conservator Petra Becher:
- 5 July
- 2 August
- 6 September
- 4 October
Time: 2:00–4:30 pm on each date.
Inside the Conservation Studio
To ensure that the restoration can be carried out smoothly during regular museum operations, careful preparation is essential. A specially tilting conservation table allows the painting to be treated professionally and safely. Protective screens create a sheltered working area while, thanks to integrated viewing windows, also offering visitors fascinating insights into the conservator’s work. The painting was then taken down, removed from its frame, and placed on the conservation treatment table.
On selected dates, visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the restoration live. Take the chance to look behind the scenes and talk to conservator Petra Becher:
- 5 July
- 2 August
- 6 September
- 4 October
Time: 2:00–4:30 pm on each date.
The conservation work has begun! First, the painting was examined, including under UV light, to assess previous interventions and the condition of the surface more closely. This was followed by careful dry and wet surface cleaning using trisodium citrate. Areas of lifting paint were secured as a precaution with long-fibred Japanese paper.
In the next step, the decorative frame and the stretcher frame were carefully removed. The canvas was then positioned with the reverse side facing upwards.
To address losses along the tacking edges, suitable pieces of canvas were cut and prepared. In addition, individual threads were taken from a second piece of canvas and carefully incorporated to provide targeted stabilization.
The Painting
Find out more about Occasio, created in the workshop of Peter Paul Rubens, in our digital collection.
