From Dieter Gold
Of course, works of art – like people – can age gracefully, and wrinkles on an old face can be very expressive. But dirt is a different matter (21 February, p 30), and it was the soot of centuries that had dulled the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel.
When I saw them about 30 years ago I was saddened to see only dull hues. Now I can admire the restored frescoes with their original colours and shades. I am convinced that Michelangelo, had he seen the state the frescoes were in, would have done whatever he could to clean them and give them back the aspect he created.
It is true that in some cases, restoration may destroy the charm of old artefacts. Removing the verdigris from baroque domes to reveal the original reddish copper beneath would make me uneasy. But it would be wrong to condemn all restoration solely on the basis that decline is natural.
Voiron, France
