I had the opportunity to visit two old “friends”: the Passion Triptych by D. Bouts, housed in the Royal Chapel of Granada, currently undergoing restoration in the KIK-IRPA painting workshop.

Thirty-three years ago (!), a team led by the Regional Government of Andalusia, in collaboration with the Istituto Centrale per il Restauro, IRPA, and the Free University of Brussels, studied the marvelous collection of Isabella the Catholic held in Granada, and among the works was this extraordinary triptych.

It has been a gift to see the magnificent work they are carrying out, directed by Livia Depuydt. The painting is gradually being freed from overpainting, old stucco, and other additions, and the faces, figures, and landscapes are emerging in all their elegance and detail.

Next June, we will have the opportunity to see it reinstalled within its altarpiece in the Royal Chapel. It’s not to be missed.