How are works of art protected from theft and damage?

Artworks have a value that is often difficult to determine. Paintings by newcomers to the art world, such as the American painter Robert Hunter Biden, can fetch high prices right from the start, while luminaries like Vincent van Gogh lived in poverty for a large part of their lives and invested all their income in painting.

When you see how much energy and time is invested in art, every reasonable person surely feels that it is necessary to take care of protecting this art.

The protection consists of many aspects, for example the hiring of security for Munich and for all of Bavaria, if one is based in Bavaria, and consultation with specialists in conservation.

Art theft is more common than you might think

Thefts of valuable works of art occur repeatedly. Items such as large gold coins or precious stones , as these can be melted down or crushed into smaller pieces and sold by unscrupulous thieves.

It is also possible for famous paintings and sculptures to be stolen. However, this happens much less frequently, as these unique treasures are difficult to sell without attracting attention.

Secure protection for works of art can rarely be provided by the police, as they already have barely enough personnel for everyday duties. Therefore, the guarding of art is usually handled by security companies that specialize in this work.

Security companies can then inform the owner about the different types of protection that together form a security concept. A valuable brooch requires different security than a painting in an exhibition intended for the general public.

Thieves are not the only danger

Theft at such an exhibition is a risk that security personnel can prevent by ensuring that no one has access to the art they are guarding. However, if the criminals are only aiming for a publicity-generating act of damage to the exhibited art, then the security guards' task becomes somewhat more complicated.

Ultimately, visitors to an exhibition get quite close to the exhibit, and art is meant to be seen. Therefore, attempts at vandalism are difficult to prevent, and copies of paintings are often displayed.

If an original piece is on display, a sturdy protective screen will shield the painting. Further steps will depend on the political situation.

Security services can help with access control, allowing only specific, carefully selected visitors into an exhibition. Decisions have to be made here, and they are not always easy.

Fire protection and disaster relief

Works of art are not only threatened by criminals and activists. Natural disasters and fires can also lead to serious losses for the art world. Fires can be prevented by sprinkler systems and smoke detectors, but this often results in damage to valuable objects.

It is better to install fire extinguishers in every room, operated by employees who regularly make rounds to nip any fires in the bud.

While other disasters such as floods or earthquakes cannot be prevented, if the storage space of a factory is well chosen, the risk can be almost completely minimized.

Experts help combat aging

Everything ages and is subject to change. Even stones weather, and pigments are particularly vulnerable to the elements. It is a miracle that some archaeological finds have survived at all, and often this is only due to a fortunate coincidence that has preserved a treasure.

Conservation technicians and scientists specializing in the aging process of pigments and other materials used in artworks help to keep a work unchanged for as long as possible. While it is almost impossible to prevent time from leaving a trace on a work, the aging process can be significantly slowed down, and if necessary, expert restoration can be carried out.

The aging process is generally influenced by light and the room climate. Therefore, paintings are often kept in a humidity level adapted to the pigments and exposed to as little light as possible.

Conclusion

Anyone who wants to keep a work of art in good condition must consider a whole range of factors. The greatest danger, especially with paintings, lies in the aging of the pigments contained in the paint due to adverse environmental influences.

While these conditions are adapted to the needs of conservation, attention must also be paid to protecting a work of art from vandals and robbers.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Journalist, editor, and passionate blogger in the field of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of a degree in web design as part of a university study (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www. kunstplaza .de/