Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam – Real-Time G-Force Measurements During Transport
Transporting a painting, especially a valuable artwork like a Guston painting, is a delicate and meticulous operation. Shocks and vibrations can cause serious damage to the artwork, which is why special precautions were taken to ensure the masterpiece’s safe journey from Washington to London.
The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam implemented several measures to minimize not only temperature fluctuations but also shocks and vibrations during transport, including:
Professional Packaging
The painting was professionally packed by art expert Marc Bongaarts, who is familiar with the artwork. The packaging included a custom-made wooden crate and special materials designed to absorb shocks and reduce vibrations.
Climate Control
Maintaining the correct climate conditions during transport is essential. Temperature and humidity levels must be carefully controlled to prevent damage from expansion, contraction, or condensation. During this transport, both temperature and humidity remained stable. However, air pressure dropped from 1017 mbar to 816 mbar due to transportation by airplane.
Stable Mounting
The painting was securely fastened within a special wooden frame to minimize movement inside the packaging. This prevents the artwork from experiencing shocks and vibrations during transit.
Shock-Absorbing Materials
The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam utilizes shock-absorbing materials such as foam rubber, air cushions, and specialized shock and vibration dampers to absorb vibrations and protect the painting.
Careful Transport
The artwork is handled with the utmost care during transport. It is carried in a specialized art transport vehicle equipped with shock and vibration-damping technology and is handled exclusively by trained professionals.
Tracking & Monitoring
During transit, the painting was continuously tracked via GPS and monitored using a SAVER 9X30 data logger from Lansmont, operated by Sebert Trillingstechniek. This specialized device detects any shocks or vibrations in real time, allowing immediate action to be taken to prevent further damage.
Ensuring a Safe Arrival
The transportation of a valuable artwork like a Guston painting requires extensive planning and precise execution to minimize shocks and vibrations while preserving the artwork’s integrity. Through collaboration with Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, the painting arrived safely and in optimal condition in London—ensuring that the final results were anything but shocking!
Philip Guston – "Painting, Smoking, Eating" (1973)
This painting, officially titled "Painting, Smoking, Eating" (1973), is one of Guston’s most renowned works from his later period, when he transitioned to figurative art.
The artwork features a simplified, cartoon-like depiction of a hand holding a cigarette, pointing toward a paintbrush and a plate of food. It is often interpreted as a self-portrait, symbolizing the artist's process of painting, smoking, and eating while working. Like many of Guston’s later works, it carries a satirical and contemplative undertone, reflecting on the artist’s practice and role in society.
This painting is a striking example of Guston’s distinctive late-period style, where he frequently used everyday objects and symbols to express complex ideas and emotions. "Painting, Smoking, Eating" is a significant piece in his artistic legacy and is often discussed in the context of his artistic evolution and impact on the art world.
Sebert Trillingstechniek: Trusted Partner for Art Transport Monitoring
Since 2012, Sebert Trillingstechniek has been the official testing laboratory for Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam.
If you also need to monitor your valuable product during transportation, we are the perfect partner for you! Contact us for more information.