Removal and handling of the sculpture “Manus Ultimus” at the Tuileries
A monumental work at the heart of the Tuileries
On November 28, 2022, Bovis Fine Art conducted an exceptional operation by removing the bronze sculpture “Manus Ultimus” by Magdalena Abakanowicz from the Tuileries Garden in Paris. This artwork, created in 1997 and acquired by the French State in 1999, had adorned this historic site since 2000, symbolizing the alliance between art, cultural heritage, and a remarkable garden.
A precise and secure lifting operation in the heart of Paris
For this delicate intervention, Bovis Fine Art deployed a 100-ton mobile crane, specifically chosen for its ability to perform complex lifts in urban environments. The lifting of “Manus Ultimus” required navigating above the majestic chestnut tree-lined avenues that are renowned in the Tuileries, an operation that demanded great precision to avoid any damage to both the artwork and the natural surroundings.
Custom packaging for the protection of the artwork
The protection of “Manus Ultimus” during transport was an absolute priority for Bovis Fine Art. A custom-designed openwork crate, crafted by the company’s specialized woodworking department, was used to package the sculpture. This type of crate is specifically designed for artworks, providing optimal protection while facilitating the safe handling of the piece during transport.
Delicate art handling: the expertise of Bovis Fine Art
Once the artwork was securely packaged, a telescopic handler was employed for moving the crate and loading it into a specially equipped Bovis Fine Art truck. This critical stage of the process illustrates the company’s expertise in handling heavy and large-scale artworks. With its extensive know-how, Bovis Fine Art is capable of managing the most delicate pieces, ensuring their transport under the safest conditions.
Bovis Fine Art: a leader in handling monumental works
This complex operation is just one example of Bovis Fine Art’s competence in the field of transporting and handling imposing artworks. Over the years, the company has developed tailored techniques and solutions to meet the specific needs of large-scale works. Every project is approached with meticulous attention to detail and rigor, making Bovis Fine Art a leader in the art handling sector.
The removal of “Manus Ultimus” at the Tuileries was carried out with exemplary professionalism, once again demonstrating Bovis Fine Art’s commitment to preserving artistic heritage. Through its unique expertise, the company ensures the safety, integrity, and respect of the artworks entrusted to it, whether they are monumental or particularly fragile.
Magdalena Abakanowicz: an artist of international renown
Magdalena Abakanowicz (1930-2017) was one of the most influential figures in 20th-century contemporary art. Of Polish origin, she is best known for her monumental sculptures, often crafted from organic materials or bronze, which explore themes of the human condition, collective memory, and the vulnerability of the individual in the face of social and historical forces. Her work, deeply rooted in her personal experiences of the turmoil of World War II and the communist regime, has gained worldwide recognition.
“Manus Ultimus,” with its powerful evocation of the human form, perfectly fits within Abakanowicz’s body of work, characterized by an intense reflection on identity and human experience. By installing this sculpture in the Tuileries Garden, the French State honored one of the great artists of our time, whose work continues to resonate strongly and pertinently within the international art landscape.
© Photo Credits: Samia Abderrahmani for Bovis Fine Art
