Why is this painting so expensive? With co-founder of InsightART Jiří Lauterkranc

From Space Tech to Raphael: Jiří Lauterkranc in an Interview for Vlasta

Jiří Lauterkranc, restorer and co-founder of our company InsightART, reveals the fascinating behind-the-scenes world of art restoration and authentication in a recent interview for the magazine and podcast Vlasta (in Czech). The article illustrates how our practice merges the delicate touch of a restorer with cutting-edge science and NASA-grade technology.

“We strive to focus more on exact scientific methods than on mere intuition.”  – Jiří Lauterkranc

The Story of a Lost Van Gogh: Jiří describes the authentication process of the serendipitously discovered painting La Crau with a View of Montmajour. Confirming its authenticity required more than just detailed material analysis; it involved an adventurous journey to the very spot where the work was painted and an in-depth study of the artist’s correspondence.

Restoration with a NASA Seal of Approval: The interview introduces our unique robotic scanner, which utilizes particle detectors originally developed for space missions. This technology played a pivotal role in the restoration and research of Raphael’s rare Madonna and Child in Switzerland.

Detective Work in Detecting Forgeries: Jiří explains the process of non-invasive examination using X-ray, infrared, and ultraviolet light. These methods can uncover non-original pigments, varnishes, or signatures that the artist could not have possibly used during their lifetime.

The Ethics of Modern Restoration: Today’s approach emphasizes reverence for the original work and, above all, reversibility. Every intervention must be identifiable by specialists and fully removable at any time to ensure the original masterpiece remains unharmed for future generations.

You can read the full interview in the current issue of Vlasta magazine or listen to it as a podcast.

Foto: Vlasta.cz