Wandbespanningen Kasteel Borgharen
These wall coverings originate from the Salon in the tower room on the bel étage of Borgharen Castle. They are part of an interior ensemble, including the paneling, fireplace, and stucco ceiling, which were designed in the late 18th century by the Maastricht architect Matthias Soiron. The pastoral scenes were painted by the Liège artist Pierre-Michel de Lovinfosse in 1790. The paintings are currently being restored at the SRAL conservation studio on the first floor of the Bonnefanten.
The artist
The painter Pierre-Michel de Lovinfosse lived from 1745 to 1821. His work is known to be featured in, among other places, Amstenrade Castle and the Hôtel De Hayme de Bomal in Liège. Art historian Peter te Poel recently suggested that the canvases may have been painted at Borgharen Castle itself. They were completed a year after the outbreak of the Liège Revolution in August 1789. De Lovinfosse fled Liège and, given the unrest in the city, could not have completed the work in his studio.
Your help is welcome!
We are at the beginning of an urgent restoration process. The physical condition of the canvases is far from ideal. External factors such as moisture and fluctuating temperatures, the transportation of the canvases in the past, and negligence by previous owners have caused significant damage. This includes flaking paint, tears in the canvas, yellowed varnish layers, and surface contamination. To restore all the canvases, the Stichting Behoud Kasteel Borgharen has launched a crowdfunding campaign. The restoration of these works is essential to preserve this valuable cultural heritage of the Province of Limburg. Unfortunately, this cannot be achieved without financial support.
Information about the crowdfunding campaign can be found on Voor de Kunst. The campaign has already concluded and raised an initial amount. However, this is just the beginning, and a substantial sum is still needed to restore all the canvases.
Every donation is warmly welcomed to help preserve this unique heritage ensemble. You can follow this link to make a direct donation to Stichting Behoud Kasteel Borgharen.
Thank you for your support!
