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A painting鈥檚 surface hides a wealth of information that can only be found using advanced methods of conservation science. Concealed Layers: Uncovering Expressionist Paintings presents new discoveries made during an ambitious three-year study of the Museum鈥檚 world-class collection of German Expressionist paintings. Complete underpaintings, a lost title, and studio graffiti are just some of the exciting findings that will receive their public debut.

Concealed Layers invites visitors to discover the world of conservation research and experience behind-the-scenes technical revelations. At the Museum, 48 German Expressionist paintings were meticulously examined and documented with photography. High-powered microscopy and ultraviolet fluorescence identified artist materials and historic restorations, while x-radiography and infrared reflectography revealed hidden layers.

From this vast trove of research, 11 paintings were selected for the exhibition, along with extensive conservation images and examples of the tools and materials used during research. The paintings include Ernst Ludwig Kirchner鈥檚 monumental Circus Rider, Oskar Kokoschka鈥檚 double self-portrait The Painter II (Painter and Model II), and Vasily Kandinsky鈥檚 Murnau with Locomotive, one of his last figurative paintings. All reveal insights into the artists鈥� studio practices. The exhibition and conservation research initiative were undertaken in conjunction with the Museum鈥檚 new collection catalogue, German Expressionism: Paintings at the Saint Louis Art Museum (to be published March 2024).