A 17th-century painting depicting a biblical scene of Jesus and the Samaritan woman is undergoing restoration at the Lessy Church in Moselle, France. The church is classified as a historical monument.
Art restorer Sylvie Schied, along with her son Pierre Poinsaint, a master gilder, are working to restore the painting to its original splendor. The painting, though displaying beautiful colors and composition, is heavily soiled.
The restoration process involves careful cleaning to remove layers of grime and varnish accumulated over centuries, revealing the original colors and details. Schied emphasizes the importance of understanding the painting's origin and the artist's intent to restore its soul and preserve it for the future.