One of the most important paintings in the Courtauld Gallery went back on show today restored to its former glory.
Cain Slaying Abel by Sir Peter Paul Rubens has undergone 11 months of work to rectify paint loss, yellowing varnish and problems with the wooden panels on which it was painted and which had warped.
During the restoration work the painting was dated at between 1600 and 1612.
The work by conservators Kate Stonor and Clare Richardson was funded by a scheme established by Bank of America Merrill Lynch to finance art conservation projects around the world.
Curator Dr Caroline Campbell said: "Besides revealing the full beauty of the work, research undertaken during conservation treatment has given us important new information about Rubens's artistic practice."
Ultra-violet photographs and X-rays showed Cain's club-wielding arm was amended during painting. Infra-red imaging showed line drawings beneath the tree in the background suggesting that even early in his career Rubens may have employed a landscape specialist in his studio.
Rena De Sisto, who runs Merrill Lynch's culture programme, said: "The Courtauld has an extensive Rubens collection and it is so rewarding to see this magnificent artwork restored and back on display."
