National Gallery workers are recreating famous artworks to make quarantine bearable
28 April 2020, 11:42 | Updated: 29 April 2020, 13:44
These guys are seriously winning at ‘Tussen Kunst & Quarantaine’...
The great artist Henri Matisse once said “creativity takes courage” – and for those putting themselves out there in the ‘Tussen Kunst & Quarantaine’ challenge to keep us entertained through coronavirus quarantine, we’re grateful.
To recap – the challenge itself is to pick an artwork, recreate it from three items you have in your home, and share it online. Points for creativity (and cats).
And the results have been worth every minute. From the efforts of the every-person, to workers from the Getty Museum in LA, we’ve seen some corkers. And now the rockstars at National Gallery in London are joining in and recreating famous works of art from their home gallery’s collection.
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Read more: People are recreating famous paintings at home during coronavirus quarantine >
It’s not just for fun, either – there’s some method behind the madness (as they say). National Gallery’s Head of Digital Services, Lawrence Chiles, explains: “We are always looking to find ways for audiences to connect with the collection and the painting re-creations was such an immediate way of doing that.
“We were inspired by individuals and organisations around the world and only felt right that the National Gallery staff should participate and get involved. It was a fun way to join in and a simple way.”
Chiles adds that “these are paintings the staff work with or see every day” as part of their jobs and that they’re “all missing that connection”.
In the hands of the experts, the results of ‘Tussen Kunst & Quarantaine’ are truly simply awe-inspiring. Well done, guys.
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You can never go wrong with a cat and a grimace
The National Gallery in London joins in with ‘Tussen Kunst & Quarantaine’. Picture: National Gallery -
All good conversation starts with the lute
A new take on Costa’s ‘A concert’. Picture: National Gallery -
Poised Van Eyck
Van Eyck. Picture: National Gallery -
And paired Van Eyck (more points would have been awarded for a real dog)
Arnolfini. Picture: National Gallery -
A new take on a familiar face
Basaiti’s famous portrait comes to life. Picture: National Gallery -
When a painting looks right through you...
“These are paintings the staff work with or see every day”. Picture: National Gallery -
It’s all in the details
Le Brun Self Portrait in a Straw Hat. Picture: National Gallery -
Points for atmosphere
An atmospheric take on Caravaggio. Picture: National Gallery -
We just want to know what’s in the bucket keeping the family pooch in shot
Jan Steen Tussen Kunst & Quarantaine. Picture: National Gallery -
Self portrait as Head of Press as Catherine of Alexandria
Tracy’s take on Gentileschi’s self portrait. Picture: National Gallery
The National Gallery is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, but you can explore the collection online at nationalgallery.org.uk.
