Unknown artist
Technique: Oil painting on cardboard
Dimensions: 32 cm x 45 cm
Date: 20th century
Condition of the Artwork Before Restoration
The surface of the artwork is strongly covered with dirt and grime, which has become deeply embedded in the structure of the cardboard, making surface cleaning particularly challenging.
The painting shows significant mechanical damage, including extensive abrasions, scratches, and areas where the paint layer is completely missing. Some parts of the painted surface appear washed out, likely due to previous exposure to moisture or improper cleaning.
The cardboard support is fragile and exhibits considerable structural damage. The corners and edges are heavily worn, with visible losses of material. Additionally, there is a perforation running through both the cardboard and the paint layer, which severely affects the integrity of the piece.
Overall, the artwork is in a delicate and deteriorated state, requiring immediate stabilization to prevent further damage. Comprehensive cleaning, consolidation of the paint layer, and structural repairs to the cardboard will be necessary to preserve the piece.
Condition of the Artwork After Restoration
Surface dirt was removed using dry-cleaning methods, addressing the initial, loosely bound layer of soiling. Cleaning tests were carried out to determine the appropriate method for removing the surface dirt. Remaining surface dirt was then removed using a buffered gel, with a localized approach adapted to each pigment’s sensitivity to water in its free form.
The delaminating layers of the paper support were consolidated and flattened. Structural defects were filled with paper pulp infill, followed by surface filling of losses in preparation for retouching. An isolating varnish layer was applied, followed by reversible retouching. A final protective and aesthetic varnish layer completed the treatment.
