The frame of Las hilanderas by Velázquez is not just any picture frame. Over the course of time, the canvas of Las Hilanderas (The Spinners) underwent a number of additions that were unrelated to its creator. These additions modified its dimensions and also its original perspective.
The new frame of Las hilanderas de Velázquez, hides these 18th-century additions from view. This allows to show the popular work as it was originally conceived by its creator.
But the action to renew Las Hilanderas frame is not only based on aesthetic criteria; but also with preventive conservation and sustainability purposes.
In fact, the new frame it has been developed in such a way that, far from being a simple traditional frame, it is also an innovative protection system.
Moreover, it was necessary to design a strong structure but at the same time light enough to be easily transported by the Museum's operators.
In addition, the work was carried out almost entirely at night and in a very limited time schedule, so as not to interfere with El Prado Museum's activities. You can watch a fantastic timelapse of the assembly work here.
