Unexpected Art Dilemma: Mondrian's Hang Upside Down in Galleries

There have been numerous instances where artworks, particularly those by renowned artists, have somehow ended up in an upside-down orientation in galleries and museums. A prime example of this is Piet Mondrian's works, which have faced such an unfortunate fate. The question is, how did this happen and how would one go about verifying such rare instances?

The Case of Piet Mondrian’s Upside Down Paintings

Artist Piet Mondrian is perhaps one of the most recognizable figures in modern art, known for his geometric compositions and primary colors. Among his famous works, Composition in Red, Blue, and Yellow hangs in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. In 1998, the painting was discovered hanging upside down for three weeks. According to the museum records, an artist accidentally rotated the canvas during a routine maintenance check. And somehow, no one realized that the painting was in an orientation that was significantly different from what its creators intended.

In 2017, the painting Toity MM 636, another work by Mondrian, was similarly hung in reverse at the Pushkin Museum in Moscow. The incident was only noticed by news websites and social media users, highlighting the potential pitfalls of long-term art conservation and maintenance.

Verification and Attention to Detail

While these incidents highlight the importance of thorough documentation and meticulous attention to detail, they also bring up questions about verification and error prevention. How can we ensure that such errors, if they occur, are quickly identified and corrected?

1. Documentation: Regular and thorough documentation is crucial. Detailed records of every change made to an artwork, including its orientation, should be kept. Digital databases that track artwork orientation and placement can be effective in this regard.

2. Meticulous Reinstallation: Artwork reinstallation should involve multiple checks and verifications. A team of curators or conservators should collaborate to ensure the artwork’s position aligns with the intended design, especially for essential pieces.

3. Training and Education

Art institutions should provide regular training for staff on the proper handling, maintenance, and display of artwork. Educating staff about the importance of orientation ensures continuous vigilance against such issues.

Popular Art Mistakes and Their Solutions

Art history is replete with tales of artworks that have been displayed incorrectly. From sculptures placed in the wrong orientation to paintings tilted at unconventional angles, these mistakes can happen. However, the consequences can be severe, from aesthetic disappointment to loss of value.

1. Incorrect Orientation**: This includes artworks that are displayed upside down, sideways, or tilted. Among the popular artworks frequently taken down are those by Dutch artists such as Mondrian and Van Gogh. For instance, Van Gogh's The Starry Night was displayed in an incorrect orientation for several years.

2. Broken Supports**: Artworks that rely on complex supports may become unstable over time. If a support structure breaks or becomes weak, it can lead to a fall or damage. This happened with a sculpture by Barbara Hepworth at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

3. Incorrect Provenance**: The history of ownership or location of an artwork can sometimes be mistakenly recorded. This can significantly affect the insurance value and cultural significance. The case of the disputed painting Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci demonstrated the importance of provenance verification.

Conclusion

The occasional mistake of an artwork being hung upside down, such as with Mondrian's works, is a poignant reminder of the intricacies involved in the preservation and display of art. From meticulous documentation to rigorous maintenance, every step of the process is vital to prevent these rare but significant errors. Through collective efforts and vigilance, we can ensure that art remains accessible and accurately displayed for future generations.

References

1. Mondrian’s Painting Hung Upside Down At Moscow Museum, Gotta Fix That

2. Piet Mondrian’s Toity MM 636 ‘hung upside down’ at Russia’s Pushkin Museum - Guardian

3. Vincent van Gogh's 'The Starry Night' was on its side

4. Van Gogh's 'The Starry Night': A Complex History of a Deeply Familiar Painting

5. Restoring New York’s Frick Collection: From Finding the Cut to Fixing the Frick