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).

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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)

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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).

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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.

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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

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.

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Date: 2013-10-09

Spectral Analysis IMAGE

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Date: 2013-10-09

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.

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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.

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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.

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Date: 2013-10-11

Local Humidification

Local humidification was used to gently relax the paint layers that were suffering from planar deformation and showing signs of delamination. A moistened section of felt was placed inside a polyethylene chamber to gradually raise the humidity. As the painting remained in a vertical position throughout the treatment, magnets were used to hold the chamber in place during humidification.

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Date: 2013-10-13

Completed Examination of Painting

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Date: 2013-10-16

Metigo Mapping Software

Metigo Mapping Software was used to designate condition issues as well as restoration material such as overpaint.

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Date: 2013-10-16