Anatomy of a Painting

1. Varnish and Retouching

• The natural resin varnish has discolored with age and the accumulation of dirt and grime.

2. Paint Layer

• The paint is composed of dry pigments ground in a linseed, poppyseed, or walnut oil medium to a pastelike consistency.

3. Primer or Ground Layer

• The ground provides a nonabsorptive surface on which to apply paint. On this painting, the ground is a reddish earth color, traditional in 17th-century Italian painting.

4. Primary Support

• A traditional Italian open-weave linen-fiber canvas is the primary support.

5. Lining Fabric

• Several years ago-to prevent further deterioration and to mend old tears in the canvas-a linen lining was attached to the reverse of the original canvas with a glue-paste adhesive.

6. Auxiliary Support

• The auxiliary support is an expandable wooden framework over which the lined original canvas is stretched and secured by tacks at the outer edges.