Painting Conservation

The paintings conservation department examines and treats 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, repairs, stabilizing wood panels, linings
• Surface cleaning to remove nicotine and grime, and removal of discolored varnish
• Filling and inpainting of losses
• Removing murals from walls in the case of renovation or demolition of the original architecture