Applying Fills to Areas of Loss

Inert, stable fill materials were applied to areas of loss throughout the paint and ground layers.

Left Edge

Most of the losses in the paint/ground layers were located along the far left and right edges of the composition. Losses throughout the torso of the standing soldier were found to be particularly extensive as old horizontal tears in this area were not properly mended or filled during a previous restoration campaign. The team carefully removed unstable fills and old fills that were covering original paint, replacing them with a stable, inert fill material.

Before


After


Center of Composition

Smaller losses throughout the central portion of the canvas were carefully filled using a stable, inert fill material.

Before


After


Right Edge

Most of the losses in the paint/ground layers were located along the far left and right edges of the composition. Extensive paint loss throughout the bottom right corner may have occurred as a result of excessive exposure to moisture many years ago. Many of the old fills in this area were found to be stable and in good condition while other losses were filled with a stable, inert fill material.

Before


After