Christie’s offers the opportunity to witness the ‘Mona Lisa Restoration – Robb Report

the Mona Lisa They may hang in the Louvre, but few get a chance to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece without distraction. Now, Christie’s wants to give you the opportunity to see up close, in person and without tourists, the most famous painting in the world.

Every year, Mona Lisa It is removed from its display case and carefully examined by restoration experts. The auction house and the Hotel Drouout in Paris come together to offer art lovers the opportunity to witness that process through an auction that ends on December 15.

Without a doubt, witness the Mona LisaThe annual exam is a far cry from a standard museum visit. Normally, to see the historical painting, you would have to work among the crowds of tourists that fill the museum’s Salle des États on a daily basis. And even if you’re brave or lucky enough to get to the front of that pack, your view of the painting is still obscured by its thick bulletproof, climate-controlled display case.

But if you win the unique experience, you can see the Mona Lisa without obstruction or competition. You and a guest will accompany the president of the Louvre, Jean-Luc Martínez, and watch as the painting is removed, removed from its box and inspected by the museum’s most trusted curators, according to the auction listing. (Of particular concern to experts is a crack located at the top of the wooden panel on which the work is painted, which has been present since at least the 18th century.)

“You can look directly into the eyes of the Mona Lisa and admire this iconic work up close, ”the auction listing reads.

But that is not all. After the inspection, Martinez will take you and your guest on a private tour of the Grande Galerie, which is home to other famous works by Leonardo, Raphael, Caravaggio, Veronese, and more. You can also attend a private concert in the Hall of Caryatids.

Christie’s expects the experience to sell for between $ 12,000 and $ 36,000, but don’t be surprised if it costs much more. The proceeds from the auction will be used to help offset losses due to the pandemic and keep the famous museum “accessible to all,” according to CNN. Winning bidders will have a two-year window to witness the restoration.