Old masters

Art Reconstructions & Studies – Painting in the Tradition of the Old Masters

In the 17th century, the training of young painters often began with hands-on craftsmanship, such as grinding pigments, preparing canvases and wooden panels, and mixing paint. Only once their skills had been proven were apprentices allowed to paint simpler parts of commissioned works in the studios of the great masters. This traditional learning process laid the foundation for many of the masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age and beyond.

Creating art reconstructions—faithful recreations of classical paintings—was a common and respected educational method. This practice continued well into the 20th century, especially at art academies, where students would copy works by old masters to gain a deep understanding of composition, brushwork, and historical painting techniques. Unfortunately, this approach has largely disappeared from modern art education, along with much of the technical knowledge of classical painting.

To help preserve this rich tradition, Nard creates reconstructions of 17th-century paintings and works from other periods. These are not mere copies in the conventional sense, but detailed studies—a way to explore and internalize the techniques of the old masters. Each canvas or panel is prepared by hand, and the paint and varnish are made from scratch using traditional recipes. Through this approach, classical painting techniques are revived and kept alive.

All frames shown on this page are handcrafted by a renowned frame maker who also produces frames for museums around the world—reflecting the same dedication to craftsmanship and authenticity found in each work.

Through these art reconstructions, Nard builds a bridge between past and present, keeping the knowledge and beauty of historical painting alive for future generations.