Cleaning Tests

Performed cleaning tests with Professor Richard Wolbers from the University of Delaware to determine most appropriate method to safely remove discolored/darkened surface coatings and overpaint. The bottom image shows a detail of a solvent gel being applied to areas of tenacious, darkened overpaint that had been applied over an old tear during a previous restoration. (Picture here: Richard Wolbers and Emily Wroczynski).

timeline view   simple view
Date: 2013-09-21

Non-Destructive Analysis (XRF)

Began preliminary non-destructive analysis of pigments using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) with the assistance of faculty and students from Villanova's Chemistry Department. Please refer to X-Ray Fluorescence section for additional detail. (Pictured here: Kristen Watts and Dr. Amanda Norbutus)

timeline view   simple view
Date: 2013-09-21

Paint Consolidation

Areas of flaking paint required remedial consolidation using a conservation adhesive (BEVA 371) before surface grime and superficial layers of varnish could be safely removed (Pictured here: Emily Wroczynski and Maggie Bearden).

timeline view   simple view
Date: 2013-09-21

Status

Completed examination process. Continued with paint consolidation and removal of overpaint and degraded varnish. Local humidification was performed on areas of planar deformation

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Date: 2013-10-01

Before Treatment

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Date: 2013-10-01

October 2013

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Date: 2013-10-05

October IMAGE

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Date: 2013-10-05

Began Cleaning Process

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Date: 2013-10-07

Raking/Specular 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.

timeline view   simple view
Date: 2013-10-07

Normal Light

View of painting in normal lighting conditions

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Date: 2013-10-07

Normal Light IMAGE

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Date: 2013-10-07

Blog :: The Triumph of David

Date: 2013-10-08

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.

timeline view   simple view
Date: 2013-10-09

Spectral Analysis IMAGE

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Date: 2013-10-09

Blog :: The Triumph of David

Date: 2013-10-10

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.

timeline view   simple view
Date: 2013-10-11

Overpaint Removal

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Date: 2013-10-11

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.

timeline view   simple view
Date: 2013-10-11

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.

timeline view   simple view
Date: 2013-10-11

Blog :: The Triumph of David

Date: 2013-10-11