Enthroned Madonna shines again: KMSKA completes first phase of Studio Rubens

In August 2025, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) completed the first phase of the large-scale Studio Rubens restoration project. For two years, restorers worked in the gallery on the monumental Enthroned Madonna Adored by Saints. After thorough conservation, the work once again dazzles with its vibrant colors and swirling figures. The museum is now preparing for the second phase of the project: The Adoration of the Magi is next in line for a transformation.

An on-site restoration studio

Because the Enthroned Madonna was too large to move, the KMSKA chose to carry out the restoration on-site in the Rubens Hall. This was unusual, but the museum turned necessity into an advantage. Visitors could follow the entire restoration process step by step. Those who returned regularly witnessed the Enthroned Madonna gradually coming back to life: from scanning the layers of paint to removing the yellowed varnish and meticulously retouching areas of paint loss.

"That we are able to realize a project like Studio Rubens is primarily thanks to our partners. Studio Rubens demonstrates how indispensable private support and sustainable investments are for our cultural future. Thanks to this support, Rubens’ masterpieces are preserved in all their splendor for future generations." – Luk Lemmens, Chairman of the KMSKA

A scientific feat

Studio Rubens is not only about cleaning the altarpieces but also about knowledge building and in-depth research. The KMSKA is using this project as an opportunity to conduct a thorough analysis of Rubens’ creative process.

“This project marks a milestone for the KMSKA as a research and knowledge center. Thanks to these on-site restorations, we make our visitors aware of the importance and impact of multidisciplinary research. It’s a unique opportunity to admire the museum’s crown jewels up close.” – Carmen Willems, General Director of the KMSKA

An international team of restorers, researchers, and Rubens experts examined every detail of the Enthroned Madonna. The project also involves close collaboration with the University of Antwerp, giving young talents the chance to learn from this exceptional moment. For example, Kayla Metelenis, a restorer from the United States, came to Antwerp thanks to a prestigious Fulbright scholarship, enriching the restoration with her fresh, interdisciplinary perspective.

Hidden layers (of paint)

The study of the Enthroned Madonna revealed exciting new insights. Whereas it is often assumed that Rubens created the preparatory studies for his monumental altarpieces and his workshop executed the works, this piece turned out to be the opposite. Some of the studies for the Enthroned Madonna were likely made by assistants, as revealed during a study day held with the University of Antwerp at the KMSKA. Conversely, a panel of experts concluded that Rubens himself painted most of the final work. This sheds new light on the workings of his studio.

The technical analysis of the painting also yielded surprises. MA-XRF scans revealed the invisible initial layers of paint and showed that Rubens did not invent new poses out of thin air. He traced the contours of earlier positions and refined them step by step. Beneath the final composition, multiple versions often lie hidden, providing insight into his creative process. For example, the current poses of Saints George and Sebastian in the foreground of the Enthroned Madonna conceal no fewer than seven earlier versions.

Up next for Studio Rubens

Now that the Enthroned Madonna is once again shining in the Rubens Hall, the next altarpiece to undergo restoration is The Adoration of the Magi. The restoration of this work will be partly similar but will also present new challenges. For example, the painting is executed on panel and is therefore extremely heavy. For this reason, the custom-made easel in the restoration studio has already been adapted.

“The Adoration of the Magi is the museum’s flagship piece, and for good reason. Tradition has it that Rubens completed this stunning painting in just two weeks, without any help from assistants. We are eager to restore the work to its full glory. In addition, we will continue research using MA-XRF, which allows us to look beneath the visible paint layers. This will enable us to further unravel Rubens’ painting techniques and studio practices.” – Koen Bulckens, Rubens expert and Project Leader of Studio Rubens

2027: The Year of Rubens

The restoration of The Adoration of the Magi will be completed in 2027, when Antwerp celebrates the 450th anniversary of Rubens’ birth with a festive “Year of Rubens.” The KMSKA, together with the Rubenshuis, will then present the exhibition Rubens and the World. This exhibition, based on international research, highlights how Rubens enriched his art with models, materials, and motifs from all corners of the globe.

NOTE TO THE PRESS

• If you would like to visit, have a question, or wish to speak with an expert, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
• Images can be found here.
• For fascinating insights and regular updates on the restoration of The Adoration of the Magi, visit kmska.be/studio-rubens.