When Art Restoration Goes Right? 

I believe the reason why the lamb's face looks humanoid is because the original painter had wanted a more human face to represent the Christian belief that we are all created in God's image, as other painters have tried to create as well. I can assume the vision of the original painter was to use the lamb to convey a face of God that human viewers could identify themselves with.

0:14 "Every square inch is covered with symbolism" as shows the watermelon wings.

imagine the heart attack of the person who chipped away the extra paint and then had to explain to everyone.

The fact that the art historians have explained that the lamb was painted to show uncanny human features purposefully shows it's value as a subject of the times and speaks volumes for the time it was created. The fact the artist proves his skill on more realistic figures in the same piece proves that the lamb was made with the knowledge that it's not right, giving more depth and value towards the original painters vision.

your should’ve tilted this “when art restoration goes north”

Hearing you in the monotone voice then go “hell yea sis go off” was the weirdest whiplash I’ve ever gotten

the original lamb is so cute but also, he has forward-facing eyes, so he’s a predator

Everyone: ThE LaMb HaS a WeIrD FaCe The Lamb: *bleeds from it's chest for centuries like that's normal*

Your talking about this piece is a really big coincidence for me. I actually took an art history class last spring that spent time talking about this restoration, and one of the points the professor brought up was that the goofy face was the result of trying to make the lamb look more human, as it is not _just_ a lamb, but *the* Lamb, Jesus Christ himself. So while the original piece may look garish to us today, it is ultimately another important piece of symbolism to be found in the Altarpiece as a whole.

This art piece is incredible. I never knew about it before. And I would personally speculate that the change in art style is supposed to put emphasis on it. The uncanny attracts the eye, and the lamb is supposed to be the central figure of that part.

"I can't really explain why it has shrek ears" I CAN'T UNSEE IT NOW

If i remember correctly from a renaissance art history class i took last year, some animals that had a connection to God would be painted somewhat humanoid to show a greater intelligence, like to signify that the animal isn't just an animal but something greater. Like how babies would be painted more like small weird old men to show "wise beyond their years" kinda deal. Now, i may be completely wrong but i think that was the case

I have the feeling cowcat is going to take solarsands hostage forcing him to browse deviant art

I think the lamb indeed fits, it's supposed to be the lamb of god so therefore for it isn't some ordinary lamb, it's supposed to be some mystical almost scary rendition showing that, like said before, it isn't a regular lamb.

The original lamb is looking at us like "You removed the overpaint, didn't you?".

I've studied art in Belgium and seen this painting in real life and let me tell you it's high key impressive, and I have a great respect for any restorator out there, there is soo much more than just dusting off an old piece and the reflexion to how and what to restore is really a complex process. Also, from experience of seeing countless of paintings in museums with my teachers, the lamb face being originally uncanny doesn't surprise me at all. Especially concidering it's the Lamb of God; it's clear he's no ordinary lamb, he is the representation of the human Christ.

Solar: *just trying to end the video* Cowcat: imma about to end this man’s whole career...

One of the few examples when a remake is better than the original.

I actually like the design of the lamb. It looks otherwordly, and it makes sense. its *gods* lamb. Alot of deities originally looked quite strange and horrifying, especially the angels. I think the design of the lamb really fits the context of the painting.

I like the original. Yes, is ugly but is not supposed to be any old cute lamb, it's the Lamb of God. It's a special lamb, and special it is.

To understand the human-like features of the lamb, you must understand the Catholic theology that inspires it. 'Lamb Of God' is one of Jesus Christ's titles. In the Old Testament, lambs were sacrificed to appease God and prevent calamity. In the New Testament, Christ was sacrificed to save the whole world and to seal the New Covenant between God and all of us. The human-like features of the lamb is speculated to be intentional to hammer down on the fact that this is no ordinary lamb, this lamb is symbolic of a man who, like a lamb to the slaughter, was sacrificed to save mankind.

I like the goofy face. It look alien and uncanny, which conveys the fact that this isn't just a regular lamb.

Yo the original lamb lowkey has a “3” mouth. Truly a masterpiece. edit: :3 may you all have a good day

I actually like the original lamb face. It reminds me of the forest spirit from Princess Mononoke... uncanny, a bit scary, but also strangely divine.

LMAO at "I've watched over 30 hours of Baumgartner, so I'm pretty much an expert" because that's how I feel after watching so many of Julian's videos too.

0:26 Shout out to the French cavalry guy there chilling and eating melon

The original Lamb's face be like: •w•

I actually really love the original lamb. It's unnerving and otherworldly and it feels very intentional. It makes it much more interesting and brings a very ethereal presence to the painting.

SolarSands: makes intelligent content analysing famous art even with some jokes and memes sprinkled in Solar's OCs: *I'm about to end this man's whole career*

*Baumgartner wants to know your location*

1:27 Atom by Atom -Sheldon J. Plankton

It's probable that van Eyck was attempting to make the lamb of God's face more human-like; similar to how medieval painter's gave baby Jesus the face of adult man in order to better follow his description from scripture.

"A lot of misunderstandings have been propagated by absolutely stupid tweets completely out of context" *Yes Ma'am, spill some high-quality Earl Grey tea, Ma'am*

It’s the front facing, non prey eyes that makes it so uncanny.

3:07 holy shit Jasonafex can’t even stay out of fucking ART drama lmfao

0:15 lmao, rare picture of a water melon angel

As derpy as the lamb looks I think it's good they stayed true to what the original artist intended to portray. After all it's simply restoration and not some overhaul so we souldnt't try to improve it but preserve it for the future.

Hearing you say "sis" in a monotone voice gave me the biggest whiplash I've ever had

3:06 You know shits gotten real when even Jasonafex has something to say

Of course the restoration is incredible and a triumph of modern techniques, but hot damn can we appreciate how incredible it was for two dudes to paint this whole thing in such astonishing detail 600 years ago?

Thank you for making this. I've studies Art Restoration & Conservation in Antwerp (didn't finish it). And little people know how complex this business really is. Not just the chemical part, or the slowly-peeling-off-stuff-off-canvas-10-hours-a-day part. But the theoretical part is actually really complex. You just don't "fix" something, or make it "new" again. When is something the original? What is more cultural significant? Should I cover this bullethole from World War 2, or is this now part of the piece? Somebody vandalized this artpiece, but no-one even knew it existed before the vandalisation, and is maybe of more cultural importance to keep it this way, so much that restoring it would be cultural vandalism on its self. You can't make an medieval art piece look brand new, because it has a certain value to look old. It's a constant theoretical debate of what is more important and how you are going to restore or conserve an art piece, or even at all. Its aint easy, at all. And I respect all Restorators and Conservators who do this business seriously, because its a hell of a job, and it's one of the few old orders we still have in this world.

I love the way solarsands voice sounds idk why

restoration makes the paintings look gorgeous honestly, color wise it just looks so much more clear like switching from 480p to 1080p

I have a friend, she works as a restorer... When I met her I thought it was all about painting, but how wrong was I. These people know a lot about chemistry 👨🏻‍🔬 👩🏻‍🔬, physics 👨🏻‍💻 👩🏻‍💻, maths👨🏻‍🏫 👩🏻‍🏫, history 👨🏻‍💼 👩🏻‍💼, art movements 👨🏻‍🎨 👩🏻‍🎨, museology 🧏🏻‍♂️ 🧏🏻‍♀️; they know how to work with a lot of tools (from a screwdriver to a chainsaw - for real) 👨🏻‍🔧 👩🏻‍🔧, etc etc etc. I was so amazed by my friend's work. She restored many artworks, and I whitnessed how she restored _Pedro Somellera_ 's portrait at Facultad de Derecho (Universidad de Buenos Aires). I really admire all these workers, there's a lot of effort that many can't appreciate. They are geniuses!!!🧠

My theory is that the Lamb has humanoid features to represent Jesus (i.e. the Lamb of God) being human

Why do I remember the deviant art nazis when he said the paintings were stolen by them

I love the way it was painted in a way, it’s creepy but I kinda really like it. It jumps out at you and you realise there is something special about that lamb, and the way it completely contradicts the rest of the image highlights this even more. I can’t say it’s what I would’ve done if I made the painting myself, but I can totally appreciate the way he did it and why it was done that way.

I actually used the image for a D&D monster without knowing any backstory, and now my players are afraid of it. I think that's good.

0:14 Ah yes famous Watermelon Wings

i like these type of videos. i cant believe you dont have more subscribers.

3:05 ah yes, art critique by a furry porn artist

I love this type of format you do about art, unique subject matter, etc.

I actually prefer the original lamb. It feels more unique, singular and godlike. I mean it's supposed to be an special lamb after all.

As a person who doesn't understand Solar Sands lore, can someone explain that ending?

3:05 I like how you highlighted an opinion from jasonafex lol

3:06 I never thought I’d see jasonofex’s horrible takes outside of furry twitter, holy shit

Solar saying "hell yeah sis, go off" is my new religion

the new face is way cooler It brings in a haunting, humanoid element that's more in line with the mystical God that we're all meant to fear

The lamb's face makes sense when we consider the disturbing baby faces painted around the same era. I am more concerned with how you managed to resurrect my husband's La-Z Boy recliner...

This is the first time I've thought, "It would be nice to have a full history of the restorers of paintings-- even those who did a lousy job." After all, lamb #2, while it had to go, is somebody's historical art style and well executed, even if it's very much a "don't" of art restoration.

The lamb is clearly supposed to be humanoid because the Lamb of God is Jesus Christ.

The lamb said: OwO

2:37 the lamb on the right looks like its putting the moves in yah

I actually really like the original lamb. I feel like the strangeness of it's face gives it a kind of otherworldly presence

Someone needs to draw solar with fake nails and earings. P l e a s e

0:28 Solar Sands: "Stolen by Napoleon" Me: _"Dude, an Ice Cream flavor stole art? Wack"_

I never thought I lived to hear Solar to say "Hell yeah sis, go off"

hearing you say “hell yeah sis go off” strangely made my day so much better

“I can’t relly explain why it has shreak ears” thank you solar you solar sands I can know never unsee that

the fact Jasonafex replied is amazing lmao

1:33 good spongebob reference

I got to go see this in person last year! It was incredible and Ghent is lovely!

The original face of the lamb is so much more valuable as a art piece than trying to paint over it with a more realistic look. It can tell about the history of religious art and stays true to the rich symbolism of the painting

*God making humans in his own image* God: what about the animals? They all look the same... *grabs sheep* *chuckles* *you’re mine now*

I enjoy the use of UT music in the background of quite a few of your vids-

i appreciate that the vid went straight into the painting

I just love the Renaissance Era. I wonder what our era of art will be called, and what will be recovered. Maybe it'll be purely digital. Will they save cat girls and country humans? Furries and sonic vore?

Restoration is not about making the art look better, it's about restoring the original image the artist had in mind. I think it was clear the artist showed his skill in realistically depicting people and horses, so his decision to make the lamb look that way may not have been a lack of skill, but a message he was trying to convey which was unfortunately covered later on. Like other comments pointed out, the lamb has a human face probably because it is a representation of Jesus Christ. Regardless, lots of respect to the restoration team and their decision on staying loyal to the original.

Madlad original painter's attention to detail is insane. Veins on the marble and cobwebs on the ceiling.

I was lucky enough to see this in person. Bit is amazing in its scope and details.

Solar, i *love* the new videos you are creating. I love every minute of them. The research is so thorough and the editing is just as impressive as the things you narrate. I had already seen this piece, i knew it as "Polictic of S. Bavon" or something along those lines, and it's one of my favourite pieces ever. Flamish art in general is pretty incredible to me, the amount of details is so astonishing and the light in pieces such as this one is so ethereal. I don't know if you take suggestions or if you are interested in baroque art, but perhaps you could make a similar video for some of Caravaggio's work, or maybe Tintoretto's? He's not baroque, more manieristic perhaps, but i think you'd like these two if you don't already know some of them. And i would also be very excited if you ever decided to make something about the frescos in Cappella Sistina... just some ideas! Keep up the great work bro

the fact that I saw no one even commented "First" says alot about your fans.

ok so that end earned you a new subscriber

Thank u for making this video! The pride of my city!

Old Lamb: I am an uncontested force to be reckoned with. I am the creator of worlds, realms and galaxies far beyond your comprehension. Do not deny my powers. For I am the Lamb of GOD. Everyone you see before you within this masterpiece bends to MY will. They are trapped within this painting to serve and praise me for all of time and beyond. Look into my eyes. Look into my eyes. Look into my eyes. Look mortal, gaze mortal, TREMBLE mortal....and look upon your DEATH. NOW DRINK OF MY BLOOD FROM THE GOBLET OF SACRIFICE, OR I. WILL. DRINK. OF. YOURS. New Lamb: ......Bah?

i love the editing of the cat-cow appearing and you avatar getting scared well done

I dunno man. That's the best restoration I have ever seen. The absolute finest work.

I love the original painting of the lamb so much more. It just evokes something that the original didn’t

I don’t know why I paid for art history classes when I can just watch RU-vid videos smh

When I started watching I was like, he better know Baumgartner or this is going nowhere. So cool you mentioned him! :D

I think we all can come clear that we watched over one hour of Baumgartner Restauration

That's so cool! I got to see the restoration of this painting in real life without knowing about all of this story!

This channel has turned me into an art history enthusiast. Thank you.

3:06 hold up, that’s Jasonafex.. dafuq is he doing here.

When you said “Ive watched over 30 hours of Baumgartner restoration so I’m pretty much an expert” I had to immediately pause, and like this video because same. Looking forward to watching more of your videos

It's a strange coincidence that I get this video in my recommended feed now, because my best friend just took me to see a random historical landmark of their city during a hike: the hill where the castle used to be where Joos Vijd, the commissioner of this painting, was born. He's the praying man in red on the back panel. Now I really want to go see the painting and stare into the eyes of the lamb when I'm back in Ghent. I love how otherworldly and slightly unsettling it looks

Love the video. Very informative.

0:15 Watermelon wings

I remember seeing this work at the Sint-Baafskathedraal when I was around 4yrs old. It was soooo massively huge it made a big impression on me. In Belgium the issue of the stolen panel (de rechtvaardige rechters) sometimes came into the news when new leads would be found that eventually lead nowhere. Honestly I think most of us don't expect it to be ever found again.

unrelated, I watched your Thomas Kinkaide video, and it is very refreshing to see a nuanced take.