In 1956, Gerhard Richter painted the mural Lebensfreude (Joy of Life) in a stairwell foyer of the Deutsches Hygiene Museum Dresden.
This mural is Richter's diploma thesis, with which he completed his studies at the Dresden University of Fine Arts under Professor Heinz Lohmar. In 1979 the painting was overpainted white to restore the foyer to its original condition.
The Deutsches Hygiene Museum announced the restoration of Gerhard Richter's 1956 mural, "Lebensfreude." This mural is Richter's diploma thesis, with which he completed his studies at the Dresden University of Fine Arts under Professor Heinz Lohmar. In 1979 the painting was overpainted white to restore the foyer to its original condition. This 63 m2 masterpiece is now undergoing a partial restoration.
The 220.000 euro restoration project will uncover Richter's forgotten artwork over the next few months. The restoration process, documented by photographer Andreas Rost, aims to make the museum's DDR-era history visible to the public.
Despite challenges, including the absence of protective varnish and the use of chemicals, the restoration team anticipates the final unveiling in October 2024. This project not only revives Richter's early career but also sheds light on an obscured chapter in the German Hygiene Museum's history during the DDR period.
Main Image :Fotografische Dokumentation des Freilegungsprozesses: Andreas Rost für das Wandgemälde: © Gerhard Richter 2024 (01022024), courtesy Gerhard Richter Archiv Dresden
Anna Melnykova, "Palace of Labor (palats praci), architector I. Pretro, 1916", shot with analog Canon camera, 35 mm Fuji film in March 2022.
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