link: artsmia.org
Restoring a Masterwork II: Guercino's Erminia and the Shepherds
Main Page
The Restoration
Daily Log
Condition Report
What's Wrong?
Treatment Steps
IR and UV Photography
Anatomy of a Painting
The Painting
General Overview
Jerusalem Delivered
The Commission
The Artist
The Engraving
Painting and Engraving
FAQ
Glossary

Daily Log

Introduction    next   next

August 14, 2004


Both David and Joan begin to remove the upper layers of fill material and overpaint applied during earlier restoration. Without the degraded, oxidized, amber colored varnish, the bright, rich Baroque era colors become visible.


Email a postcard of this entryemail a postcard of this entry 

August 17, 2004


This section of the painting sustained a variety of mechanical damage, including tears, scrapes, scratches, and creases. The areas of white on the surface of the painting are broadly applied fill material, used to mask losses in the paint/ground layer. Beneath the white fills are several layers of overpaint and additional fill material, applied one on top of the other. In removing these layers of restoration, considerable original paint is revealed.


Email a postcard of this entryemail a postcard of this entry 

August 18, 2004

Halo


This detail illustrates the numerous layers of of fill and overpaint applied over damaged areas of the painting. The topmost white fill has been partially removed, as seen in the 'halo' around the darker overpaint. A minimum of three layers of additional restoration will be revealed when this overpaint is removed.


Email a postcard of this entryemail a postcard of this entry 

August 18, 2004


David Marquis removes the last remnants of the thick, discolored varnish from the upper arm of the shepherd.


Email a postcard of this entryemail a postcard of this entry 

August 19, 2004


The heads of the shepherd's sons were nearly obscured by discolored varnish and many layers of broadly applied overpaint. Significant area of original paint have been revealed with cleaning.


Email a postcard of this entryemail a postcard of this entry 
next Aug 7 - Aug 13, 2004 Introduction Aug 19 - Aug 21, 2004 next