Conference paper
https://doi.org/10.21857/y7v64t546y
CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION WORKS ON THE PORTRAIT OF FRANCIS II (I) HABSBURG - LOTHRINGEN FROM VARAŽDIN CITY MUSEUM
Renata Majcan Šragalj
orcid.org/0000-0001-9275-0738
; Hrvatski restauratorski zavod,
Abstract
Preparing the exhibition Varaždin under the Habsburg crown, the objective
was to display larger paintings of the Habsburg monarchs. On the painting of
Francis II (I) atributed to the Vienese painter Johann Sues, complex and wholesome
restoration works had to be undertaken in order to make the painting
ready for displaying. The painting was consolidated in situ at the begining of
2015. and then transported to Zagreb to the Croatian Conservation Institute.
Further consolidation of the damages in the paint layer was very complex and
demanding. There were large damages of the paint layer all over the surface of
the picture. They are consisted of a large number of craquelures, creases, flaking
of the layers and loss of adherence to the canvas. The paint flakes and craquelures
were highly brittle as well as thick and tough. It is asumed that this type of
damage appeared due to the shrinking of canvas that occured because of unsuitable
microclimate conditions surrounding the painting previously. Procedures
were undertaken as to slowly and carefully soften the flakes and paint layer to
adhere it back onto the canvas. Using small and improvised sort of chambers
consisted of silicon weights and heat – proof foil the paint layer was softened by
alcohol fumes one area at a time and the procedure was repeated several times.
Once the paint layer was softened on an area of the painting, the craquelures
were pushed down gently on the canvas with the help of a heating spatula and
heat-proof foil, no more than 2 cm of paint layer at a time. Then these areas
were cooled and small weights were placed on that surface. This kind of procedure
proved to be satisfactory, with good results. Completing the procedure of
consolidating the paint layer and securing its adherence to the canvas we could
continue further conservation. It is consisted of cleaning the paint layer, removing
old fillings, filling in the missing parts of canvas, filling in the damages on
paint layers, retouching and varnishing.
Keywords
Francis II (I) Habsburg; Johann Hermann; craquelures; restoration works.
Hrčak ID:
231083
URI
Publication date:
24.12.2019.
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