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Newly Acquired Van Cortlandt Portrait on DisplayConservation made possible by grant from Greater Hudson Heritage NetworkTARRYTOWN, NY (July 8 2009) -- Historic Hudson Valley recently installed a newly acquired and fully restored portrait of a Van Cortlandt family member. This important painting along with its 18th century frame was fully restored courtesy of a $6,717 grant from the Greater Hudson Heritage Network. The painting is on view at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson. This oil painting, dating to 1726, is thought to depict Gertrude Van Cortlandt Beekman, the aunt of Pierre Van Cortlandt (patriarch of Van Cortlandt Manor). Historic Hudson Valley curator Kate Johnson said, "Gertrude Van Cortlandt Beekman was a particularly important member of the Van Cortlandt family as it was to Gertrude's house in Rhinebeck, N.Y., that Pierre and his family sought refuge during the Revolution." When Historic Hudson Valley acquired the painting in 2007 it was damaged and dirty. After outlining a plan of attack, restorers began reviving both painting and frame. Conservator Sean Digney-Peer from the Metropolitan Museum of Art worked on the canvas while Marylou Davis addressed the frame. Through the combined efforts of these two conservators, totaling just over 70 hours of work, the painting can now be seen in a remarkable state of clarity and historic accuracy. The Greater Hudson Heritage Network grant, part of a $125,000 gift to aid conservation efforts throughout the state, paid for the work on this painting. The public can now enjoy the fully restored portrait of Gertrude Van Cortlandt Beekman on display at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson. Admission to Van Cortlandt Manor is $12 for adults; $10 for seniors; $6 for children 5-17; and free for children under 5 and HHV members. Van Cortlandt Manor is at 525 South Riverside Avenue (off Route 9) in Croton-on-Hudson. Take the Croton Point Avenue exit from Route 9 and follow the signs. For information: 914-271-8981, www.hudsonvalley.org.
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