Nina Petit, a dedicated painting conservator working in Corsica, has made it her life's mission to restore the former brilliance of artworks entrusted to her care by both professional institutions and private collectors. Her specialized work involves breathing new life into damaged or deteriorated paintings, returning them to their original splendor through meticulous restoration techniques.
Petit's journey into the world of art restoration began with a moment of pure inspiration while watching television. "I had a real awakening in front of the TV," she recalls, describing the pivotal moment when she watched a documentary about the restoration of Leonardo da Vinci's "Saint Anne." "I found this profession so beautiful that I decided I wanted to become an art restorer myself." This televised glimpse into the intricate world of art conservation would completely change the trajectory of her life.
At just twenty years old, Petit made the bold decision to leave her native Périgord region to pursue her newfound passion at a specialized school in Lyon. There, she immersed herself in learning two crucial aspects of art preservation. The first was pictorial restoration, which involves restoring visibility to artworks by correcting various forms of deterioration and damage. The second equally important discipline was conservation, which focuses on creating optimal conditions for packaging, storage, and exhibition to slow down the aging process of artistic objects.
"I didn't really like school when I was a child," Petit confides, "but as soon as I started my restoration studies, I truly found myself." This academic awakening represented a complete transformation from her earlier educational experiences. However, her formal education faced significant challenges when financial constraints forced her to stop her studies after completing her bachelor's degree.
Undeterred by these financial limitations, Petit continued her professional development through mentorship with experienced restorers. She sought guidance from accomplished professionals like Emmanuelle David and Sabine de Parisot, who became invaluable mentors in her career development. "The lack of money severely limited my formal studies," Petit acknowledges, reflecting on how economic barriers affected her educational path.
Despite these early challenges, Petit has successfully established herself as a skilled restoration professional in Corsica, where she continues to practice her craft with the same passion that first drew her to the field. Her work serves as a bridge between past and present, ensuring that artistic treasures continue to inspire future generations through her careful and dedicated restoration efforts.
