Valuing Van Gogh's Colours From Past to Future

Nowadays, it is well known that Van Gogh’s paintings continue to change in colour due to light exposure. The painter himself was aware of this risk and later conservators and scientists have found abundant evidence of the fact. Until recently, the lighting policy of the Van Gogh Museum was based on the generally accepted maximum light levels for oil paintings. However, by exploiting new possibilities to make digital visualisations that reverse the effects of colour change, the dramatic alterations have become apparent to everyone. Digital visualisations also allow a visual prognosis of further change as a basis for discussing acceptable colour loss in the future. Consequently, the museum has reformulated its lighting policy, which is now based on a definition of acceptable loss of cultural value.