THE CONSERVATION TREATMENT OF A 19TH-CENTURY SCOTTISH PASTEL ON PAPER

Department Chair

Patrick Ravines

Author

Perrine Le Saux, State University of New York College at Buffalo - Buffalo State College,

Date of Award

8-2020

Access Control

Open Access

Degree Name

Art Conservation, M.A., C.A.S.

Department

Art Conservation Department

Advisor

Theresa J. Smith

Department Home page

https://artconservation.buffalostate.edu

First Reader

Jiuan Jiuan Chen

Second Reader

Dr. Rebecca Ploeger

Third Reader

Jonathan Thornton

Fourth Reader

Dr. Aaron Shugar

Abstract

A framed 19th century Scottish pastel portrait on paper, severely damaged after a fall, was admitted to the Garman Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State College for examination, research, and treatment. Conservation photography helped in documenting and understanding the extent of the damage. Research helped to reinforce the attribution of the drawing to Sir Daniel MacNee and to learn more about the man in the portrait: Robert Maxwell Jr. The drawing was torn significantly in its wood strainer as a result of the original glazing breaking and has suffered loss of media due in part to abrasion. The support was stabilized by mending the tears with Beva 371 and Japanese tissue. The image was inpainted with pastels to reduce the appearance of tears. A microclimate enclosure was also made for the pastel with new glazing.

Recommended Citation

Le Saux , Perrine. 2019. THE CONSERVATION TREATMENT of a 19TH-CENTURY SCOTTISH PASTEL on PAPER. M.A. Thesis Project, State University of New York College at Buffalo - Buffalo State College.