Department Chair
Patrick Ravines
Date of Award
9-2020
Access Control
Open Access
Degree Name
Art Conservation, M.A., C.A.S.
Department
Art Conservation Department
Advisor
Fiona Beckett
Advisor
Patrick Ravines
Department Home page
https://artconservation.buffalostate.edu/program
First Reader
Dr. Aaron Shugar
Second Reader
Jiuan Jiuan Chen
Third Reader
Dr. Rebecca Ploeger
Abstract
Technical analysis and conservation treatment were conducted on an oil on canvas Portrait of Madonna by an unknown artist. Both non-invasive analysis and invasive analysis including sampling was carried out to assist in the interpretation of artist technique and identify materials present. The primary goal of this project was to determine a suitable treatment protocol and provide an indication of artists materials used. The materials identification helped inform the treatment during treatment, specifically during varnish reduction and blanching mitigation. While the painting had several condition issues, extensive blanching was analyzed in more detail. Imaging and analytical techniques included ultraviolet and infrared imaging, radiography, Confocal Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy, and cross-sectional analysis. Key findings include the discovery of painted canvas inserts for loss compensation during a previous restoration and the blue pigments beneath the green overpaint in the robes of the sitter. The established treatment protocol was successful, and the painting showed improvement both structurally and aesthetically.
Recommended Citation
Childers, Rachel. “LADY IN BLUE: THE TECHNICAL STUDY AND TREATMENT OF a PORTRAIT OF a WOMAN.” M.A. Thesis Project, State University of New York College at Buffalo - Buffalo State College, 2019.