Oil On Canvas: Painting Conservation 101 by Corinne Cain
Conservation is defined as remedial attention given to extend the life of a work of art. The process often reconstitutes missing material by additions. These additions may be either visible or invisible and serve to restore the work’s unity.
One of the most noticeable defects the public observes on a painted surface is craquelure. Craquelure appears as a minute crazing pattern on a painting’s surface. The following layers make up a painting:
1. Stretcher bars are covered by a canvas support
2. Canvas is coated with a sizing medium
3. Gesso (a ground layer) is applied over the sizing medium
4. Paint is layered over the sizing medium
5. Varnish is capped over all these layers
Ideally all these layers dry uniformly. When the harmony of these layers is disrupted, a problem results, requiring conservation. For instance, as the different layers absorb and release moisture, expansion and contraction take place. As the materials age, the ongoing process of change can take its toll. Vibrations when art is transported can be harmful to one or more layers, even though temperature and humidity are controlled.
Returning to craquelure, it is understandable that the canvas has responds to a change in climactic conditions by either shrinking or swelling. The amount of stress might differ from the ground or paint layer. As these materials react to change differently, they result first in craquelure and finally become cleavage. Cleavage is the paint layer lifting from the canvas.
When craquelure appears as a function of age, it is generally left untouched, provided the painting is still legible. Should this condition become cleavage, a professional conservator must be consulted.
Another easily noticed problem is a slackening of the canvas, producing more “play” than was originally intended. Examine the stretcher bars. If all the corners are fixed by glue or nails and cannot be adjusted mechanically, your painting is attached to strainer bars, not stretcher bars. Stretcher bars have keys (wedges of wood that permit adjusting of the bars) or sophisticated metal elements that allow for adjustments. A canvas left for many years on strainer bars could rip once the canvas becomes brittle.
Yellowing or darkening varnish is another readily recognizable issue. About every 25 years, review canvases for a re-application of varnish. First the original varnish must be removed by a professional conservator.
Frequently-Asked Questions
How do I find a good conservator? American Institute of Conservation in Washington, DC 202 452-9545 is one source of competent people. Call your local large museums for recommendations as well as art appraisers in your area.
What can I expect from a conservator? It is customary for you to be provided
a) Estimated cost of treatment
b) Estimated time to complete the treatment
c) Conservator’s steps to complete treatment
d) Anticipated result from the treatment (identification of what is possible to remedy and to what degree)
How are the fees assessed? Conservators guestimate the number of hours needed to complete the work (based on their past experience).
Word of caution: Find out if your conservator has insurance and if so, how much and what are the limitations of their coverage. If they do not, call your insurance company to find out their position on insuring your property while it is in the hands of a conservator.
About the Author
Corinne Cain is the principal of Corinne Cain, Ltd, a nationally recognized firm affording expert appraisal and consulting services on Fine Art and Native American Art. Her background includes an MFA and MBA from Southern Methodist University. Ms. Cain is also the proprietor of http://Savvycollector.com, a nationally known secondary art market dealer.
French Wood and Gesso Large Ornate Mirror Abacus St Julian
|
|
Mirror Photo Mugs Rectangular mirror of gilt wood and gesso, decorated in the neo-classical style. The central panel of mirror glass is bordered by nine small, narrow panels, one of which has broken, revealing a portion of early 20th-century newspaper used as backing. Paired with the style of decoration, this would indicate that it was probably made as a commemorative piece for the centenary of the Battle of Trafal… |
|
|
Krylon Gesso 11-Ounce Aerosol Spray $6.08 Gesso Spray seals and primes art and craft surfaces quickly and easily. It provides the same performance characteristics as brush-on formulas while decreasing application time dramatically. Resists chipping and will not yellow. Perfect for use on canvas, wood, metal, and more. Dries in 15 minutes, safe to handle after thirty minutes. This package contains 11oz/311g of Gesso Spray. DANGER: Extremel… |
|
|
Gesso rope panel moulding $10.56 … |
|
|
2” Broken Gold Gesso Picture Frame Molding, 4′ long $19.59 Create stunning picture frames for artwork, photography or prints. 4′ length molding lets you make whatever size frame you need…. |
|
|
Restoration Recipes: Techniques for Repairing and Refinishing Fine Furniture $7.07 In contrast to the spate of quick-fix makeovers that have become so popular of late, Restoration Recipes promises to offer a new lease on life to old pieces of furniture. The authors, Julia de Bierre and James Bain Smith, both lecture on restoration and have an impressive heritage as dealer-curator and artist-restorer, respectively. They have written this book for “furniture enthusiasts ….. |
|
|
Art crafts for amateurs This book is a facsimile reprint and may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages…. |
|
|
Gesso Fruit Still Life by Tania Darashkevich Fine Art Print / Poster 19.75 x 9.75 in. Gesso Fruit Still Life by Tania Darashkevich Fine Art Print / Poster 19.75 x 9.75 in. – Brand New Fine Art Print / Poster – Ships Rolled in a crush proof tube – Paper Size: 19.75 x 9.75 in. – Image Size: 19.75 x 19.75 in…. |
|
|
Gesso Fruit Still Life by Tania Darashkevich Fine Art Print / Poster 39.50 x 19.75 in. Gesso Fruit Still Life by Tania Darashkevich Fine Art Print / Poster 39.50 x 19.75 in. – Brand New Fine Art Print / Poster – Ships Rolled in a crush proof tube – Paper Size: 39.50 x 19.75 in. – Image Size: 39.50 x 39.50 in…. |
Write a Comment