Began Cleaning Process

Examination using raking or specular light occurs when an artwork is illuminated with a light source positioned at an oblique angle to the object's surface. This can yield information relating to planar deformations, irregularities in the paint and varnish, and other surface conditions.

Normal Light

View of painting in normal lighting conditions

Normal Light IMAGE

View of painting in raking light

Examination using raking or specular light occurs when an artwork is illuminated with a light source positioned at an oblique angle to the object's surface. This can yield information relating to planar deformations, irregularities in the paint and varnish, and other surface conditions.

Spectral Analysis IMAGE

Overpaint Removal

A significant amount of overpaint was found throughout the bottom right corner. The team began successfully removing the discolored overpaint, revealing the brilliant ultramarine blue and vibrant flesh tones beneath.

Overpaint Removal

Varnish Removal

Reducing the blanched, degraded varnish revealed intact paint beneath. Blanched varnish can occur when the surface of an artwork is exposed to drastic changes in temperature and humidity or when the surface is directly exposed to moisture.

Varnish Removal IMAGE

Reducing the blanched, degraded varnish revealed intact paint beneath. Blanched varnish can occur when the surface of an artwork is exposed to drastic changes in temperature and humidity or when the surface is directly exposed to moisture.