Painting hidden in attic for years back on display

3 hours ago

Federica BedendoNorth East and Cumbria

News image — The Dice Players was donated in the 1930s but its importance was overlooked

Stockton Borough Council The Dice Players is a painting that features a close-up scene of five people rolling dice on a table. It is quite dark but there is a splash of colour on some of their clothing, including orange and purple. They are wearing formal and elegant clothing. It is inside a large gold frame, which is being placed back into its case on a gallery wall at Preston Park Museum by two members of staff. The two women, pictured from behind, are closing the case. — The Dice Players was donated in the 1930s but its importance was overlooked

A 17th Century painting, which remained hidden in an attic for decades before its importance was discovered, is back on display.

The Dice Players was painted around 1650 by French Baroque painter Georges de La Tour. Today, it is the most internationally celebrated artwork on display at Preston Park Museum in Stockton-on-Tees.

It was donated in the 1930s but it took about 40 years before its significance was discovered during a routine check of the collection stored in the museum's attic.

The painting has since been enjoyed by international audiences and has just returned from a loan to the Jacquemart-André Museum in Paris.

"While it's always a pleasure to share this rare painting with international audiences, there is something very special about welcoming it home," said councillor Nigel Cooke, who is responsible for culture at Stockton Borough Council.

Following its return from France, a specialist conservator carried out light conservation work, including colour work on the frame.

It went back on display in Stockton this week.

Stockton Borough Council A conservator holds a paintbrush to the frame of The Dice Players for restoration work. The face of the conservator is only partially in view, with the focus on his hand working on the golden-coloured frame. — The Dice Players under went conservation work, including colour work to its frame

The Dice Players depicts a tense, candlelit game of chance.

Although the candle is not visible in the scene, its warm glow illuminates the faces, armour and expressions of the players.

The museum said it was an example of the captivating atmosphere characteristic of de La Tour's dramatic use of light.

It added loaning the artwork to other institutions helped to raise the profile of Stockton's collections.

Stockton Borough Council The Dice Players hanging on the wall at Preston Park Museum, protected by a glass case with a purple frame. — The painting is back on display at Preston Park Museum

Cooke said: "We are thrilled to have it back on display, where it will continue to be a highlight for everyone who visits Preston Park Museum."

The painting was bequeathed by Annie Elizabeth Clephan in memory of her father Edwin.

During a routine valuation in 1972, its significance was revealed when Christopher Wood of Christie's recognised an inventory entry for an "old painting" titled Throwing the Dice by de La Tour, sparking widespread interest and excitement.

A Preston Park Museum spokesman said: "What had once been overlooked quickly became Preston Park Museum's most renowned artwork."

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