Long considered a copy of the 19th century, a version ofAtalante and hippomene Rediscovery at the Museum of Libourne during a harvest could be an original work by Guido Reni (1575-1642). The table of 2 m × 3 am awake the attention of the conservatives because it presented technical characteristics – in particular the canvas and its composition – suggesting a much older dating.
In 2023, the curator-restaurant Sophie Jarrosson was then mandated to clean the work. By removing the Japanese protective paper and unlocking the surface, it discovered an ocher red preparatory layer, characteristic of the 17th century. A study launched in 2024 with the Center for Research and Restoration of Museums of France (C2RMF) gave rise to a series of technical analyzes: radiography, infrared, XRF spectroscopy and stratigraphy. These investigations have confirmed that the canvas is very contemporary with the artist’s other works.
A second catering phase is underway, also led by Sophie Jarrosson. It consists in removing the additional repaints and finding the original colors. Visitors can follow the evolution of the work live, carried out in the chapel of Carmel du Bal. The State has funded 40 % of the total cost of the catering, or € 23,000. The work should be able to be exhibited at the end of the year.
In parallel, an international scientific committee met to permanently authenticate the table. He examined the results of the analysis, the restoration and the archives available. The conclusions are very favorable, but still insufficient to allow a final allocation.
There are three other known copies of this table. The first, considered the oldest, is kept at the Prado Museum in Madrid; It would date from 1618-1619. The second, exhibited at the Capodimonte Museum in Naples, is dated 1622-1623. However, recent research tends to consider the latter as the original, thus dating it between 1615 and 1618. A third version recently resurfaced in an Italian private collection, but little information is available on it.
The study of the artist’s archives made it possible to identify several unpublished works. This same month, a David contemplating the head of Goliath was attributed to Guido Reni by the Cabinet Turquin.
