Department Chair

Patrick Ravines

Date of Award

8-2018

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

Dr. Aaron Shugar

Abstract

A mid-nineteenth century aquatint and etching print with hand coloring was admitted for conservation treatment to the Garman Family Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State College. The print was in very poor condition upon arrival. Investigating the print using materials analysis helped deduce some of the original materials in the manufacturing of the print as well as non-original materials used to restore it. Ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) imaging revealed many damages and repairs to the support. Transmission-Fourier transform infrared microscopy (Transmission-FTIR) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (py-GC-MS) were used to confirm the presence of a varnish layer, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) helped identify some of the original pigments used, and polarized light microscopy (PLM) helped identify the fibers used to make the support. After investigating and gaining an understanding of original material versus historic repairs, the print was treated using a multitude of techniques. A backing removal, washing, light bleaching, pulping, resizing, and inpainting were all part of the treatment procecss. This stabilization and treatment made the print safe to store and suitable for display.

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