Date of Award
9-2027
Access Control
Open Access
Degree Name
Conservation of Art and Cultural Heritage and Conservation Science and Imaging , M.A./M.S.
Department
Art Conservation Department
Advisor
Fiona T. Beckett
Advisor
Becca Goodman
Department Home page
https://artconservation.buffalostate.edu/
First Reader
Lorna J. Brundrett
Second Reader
Glennis E. Rayermann
Third Reader
Emily Hamilton
Fourth Reader
Rebecca Ploeger
Abstract
Portrait of Sally Maria Johnson by the artist James Johnson is a 19th century oval shaped portrait in the collection of the Buffalo History Museum. It suffered from structural damages and paint loss resulting from surface alterations and previous restoration campaigns. This study combines art historical research with scientific analysis to explore both the biography of the subject and the materiality of the painting. Through local research including historical newspaper articles in Buffalo, the story of Sally Maria Johnson (the wife of Buffalo’s first mayor) was uncovered. High-resolution imaging techniques were used to document the surface condition and identify previous treatments. Reflected Infrared imaging was critical to identifying of the artist’s signature. Complementary analytical methods included x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy, and polarized light microscopy, which helped to identify the canvas fiber and the pigments employed by the artist. The conservation treatment was successful, and the disfiguring surface dirt, old varnish, and previous treatments were removed to reveal the paintings original color. Additionally, losses and tears were filled and mended, and inpainting unified the painting’s appearance.
Recommended Citation
Song, Yuanzhen, "Uncovering the Story of Sally Maria Johnson: Revealing the History of the Portrait of a Painting" (2027). Art Conservation Master's Projects. 104.
https://digitalcommons.buffalostate.edu/art_con_projects/104
Included in
American Art and Architecture Commons, Art and Materials Conservation Commons, Fine Arts Commons
Archival Statement
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