Painting Conservation

The painting conservation department collectively has years of experience examining and treating a wide range of paintings from European and American Old Masters to contemporary works created using non-traditional materials and techniques.  Painting supports can be wood, canvas, metal, or board and media can range from egg tempera to oil to acrylic to encaustic.  The department is equipped to take x-radiographs and infrared images to aid in understanding artists’ techniques and condition issues.  The department has particular expertise in treating oversized murals, either in situ or at the ICA.  Paintings conservators can also carry out on-site surveys and assessments of collections.

Paintings preservation and treatment steps may include:

• Structural work, including setting down lifting paint, tear repairs, stabilizing wood panels, and linings
• Surface cleaning to remove nicotine and grime
• Removal of discolored varnish
• Filling and inpainting of losses
• Removing murals from walls in the case of renovation or demolition of the original architectural setting