Grandfather and Granddaughter
Technique: Oil painting on canvas
Dimensions: 120 cm x 94,2 cm
Date: First half of the 20th century
Condition of the Artwork Before Restoration
The painting is covered by a heavy layer of surface dirt and discoloured varnish. Localized paint and ground losses are present, along with areas of unstable, flaking paint. Inappropriate secondary overpaint and retouching are visible, primarily in the background and along the edges. Pigment degradation is evident, most notably as light-toned patches in the upper left background and in the area between the figures. A defect of unknown origin on the reverse (likely a combination of mechanical and other causes) has affected the paint surface on the front. Unevenness in the varnish layer—alternating between clouding and pronounced glare—creates significant visual inconsistency across the composition. The canvas support shows slight slackening, with heavy dust deposits on the reverse and within the weave.
The stretcher appears to be original and remains structurally functional. The painting’s attachment to the frame, secured with nails, is inadequate. The decorative frame presents numerous minor and extensive losses, with localized flaking and detachment of the polychrome/gilded surface. A loss of relief ornamentation up to 60 cm in length is present in the upper right section. The frame also shows surface dirt on the front and a heavy accumulation of secondary material on the reverse.
Condition of the Artwork After Restoration
The canvas was removed from its stretcher, locally consolidated, and dry-cleaned to remove surface dirt. Edges were flattened and strip-lined, and the support was re-flattened. Degraded varnish and non-original overpaint were removed, and the canvas was re-stretched onto its cleaned, repaired original stretcher. An isolating varnish was applied, losses were filled and retouched, and a final protective varnish layer was applied.
Decorative Frame
Loose parts were consolidated, and dirt and secondary material were removed from both sides. Missing ornamentation was reconstructed by casting and filling, retouched, and colour-matched to the original decor. The painting was refitted into the frame with secure mounting and a new hanging system, and a restoration report with photographic documentation was prepared.
Current condition: The painting is structurally stable, with the original paint layer cleaned, stabilized, and protectively varnished, and losses integrated with the surrounding surface. The frame’s structural and decorative integrity has been restored, and the painting is securely mounted within it.
