Thaulow's Water

The painting is still on exhibit in the Impressionists collection, and is called "The Mills at Montreuil-sur-Mer, Normandy," by Fritz Thaulow. 

The Mills at Montreuil-sur-Mer, Normandy by Fritz Thaulow, Norwegian, 1847 - 1906.  oil on canvas.  Painting on display at the Mineapolis Institute of Arts.

Although not as impacted by the move to industrialization as Zorn, Thaulow has also worked to preserve cultural values by depicting the mill.  I have always been intrigued by the way in which Thaulow has captured the intense light reflecting off of this water.  Check out the image below without the distraction of the heavy, garish frame, which seems like a disconnect for this particular painting.

The Mills at Montreuil-sur-Mer, Normandy, by Fritz Thaulow, 1981; oil on canvas.  Click on image to enlarge. 

Notice how Thaulow has depicted the ripples and the undercurrent in this relatively still water....fascinating.  It is unfortunate that the mid-section of the water has deteriorated somewhat, and up close the cracks and fracture lines in the painting are distracting.

I wonder what we can to to further preserve this painting, AND all of the works that are currently being created?