Paul Saint Bris signs an exciting and documented first novel which imagines the perilous and very controversial restoration of La Joconde, the most famous painting in the world.
Should works of art be restored, and to what extent? The question is tricky. But when we talk about the restoration of the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa, the question is even more explosive, aesthetic and political at the same time, in short incredibly romantic.
The proof of this is our guest’s first novel, an exciting and documented work, which reads like a thriller, sprinkled with humor and even zaniness, but which raises many questions. Because while spending a very pleasant moment in the company of colorful characters, we learn a lot; on restoration techniques of course, but also on the evolution of our relationship with museums, art and works.
“The lightening of varnishes”, Paul Saint-Bris was published by Philippe Rey editions.
Reportage : Marjorie Bertin went to the Museum of Modern Art in Paris which presents the exhibition ” Oskar Kokoschka, A beast in Vienna », the first Parisian retrospective devoted to the Austrian artist. The opportunity to try to pierce some mysteries about his life and his work.