Restorations and attributions: the demands of a professional collector. The collection of Juan B. Castagnino (Rosario, 1907-1925)

Abstract

This article reflects upon rosarino collector Juan Bautista Castagnino's (1884- 1925) collection of old masters paintings and his own professional practice involving the study, cataloguing and conservation of such art. Precisely, this paper attempts to account for the relationship established by the collector with European experts in the first decades of the twentieth century, responsible for recognizing the authenticity as well as, appreciating and preserving the value of art and collectibles pieces. This includes the work which was entrusted by Castagnino and carried out by those linked to the government, such as curators and museum directors, professionals whose expertise procedures were related to the notion of attribution and also by those who maintained a relationship with the art market such as restorers, art historians, collectors and artists.