Project description
TranslatedA qualified easel painting restorer is needed to bring an old oil painting on canvas into a stable and presentable condition. The canvas has been in the family for several decades and has never undergone professional restoration. Over the years, the varnish layer has darkened and yellowed significantly, causing the original colors to be muted, and the entire surface appears dull with a brownish tint. Additionally, crazing is visible across most of the painted surface — a network of fine age-related cracks in the paint and ground layers, and in a couple of spots along the lower edge, small paint flakes are slightly peeling from the base.
Work to be commissioned:
1. A preliminary condition assessment before any work begins — with photographs and a brief written report on what is stable and what requires urgent intervention (primarily the peeling paint).
2. Careful removal of the darkened varnish layer using appropriate solvents, pre-tested on an inconspicuous area, without damaging the original painting beneath.
3. Consolidation of flaking paint to prevent further loss of fragments during transport and storage.
4. Spot toning of minor losses and areas with exposed ground — matching the color and texture as closely as possible to the surrounding original painting, following the principles of reversibility and distinguishability of the retouching from the original upon close inspection or under UV light, in accordance with standard conservation ethics.
5. Application of fresh, uniform protective varnish after toning has dried.
6. Inspection of canvas tension on the stretcher — slight slack is visible in one corner — and tightening or re-stretching if deemed appropriate, without altering the original edges of any previous lining.
The painting is of medium format, portrait composition, in a frame; careful delivery in an individual crate can be arranged, or personal delivery depending on your location. Photographs of the entire "before and after" process would be appreciated, as well as a brief written report on the materials and methods used — for insurance and family archive purposes. Please provide examples of similar completed oil painting restoration work, explain your general approach to solvent testing and ensuring reversibility of intervention, and provide approximate timelines. Experience specifically with canvas support issues and toning on aged paint layers is a higher priority than general painting repair skills. I am willing to discuss adjusting the scope of work after the initial condition assessment if unexpected problems are discovered under the varnish.
Work to be commissioned:
1. A preliminary condition assessment before any work begins — with photographs and a brief written report on what is stable and what requires urgent intervention (primarily the peeling paint).
2. Careful removal of the darkened varnish layer using appropriate solvents, pre-tested on an inconspicuous area, without damaging the original painting beneath.
3. Consolidation of flaking paint to prevent further loss of fragments during transport and storage.
4. Spot toning of minor losses and areas with exposed ground — matching the color and texture as closely as possible to the surrounding original painting, following the principles of reversibility and distinguishability of the retouching from the original upon close inspection or under UV light, in accordance with standard conservation ethics.
5. Application of fresh, uniform protective varnish after toning has dried.
6. Inspection of canvas tension on the stretcher — slight slack is visible in one corner — and tightening or re-stretching if deemed appropriate, without altering the original edges of any previous lining.
The painting is of medium format, portrait composition, in a frame; careful delivery in an individual crate can be arranged, or personal delivery depending on your location. Photographs of the entire "before and after" process would be appreciated, as well as a brief written report on the materials and methods used — for insurance and family archive purposes. Please provide examples of similar completed oil painting restoration work, explain your general approach to solvent testing and ensuring reversibility of intervention, and provide approximate timelines. Experience specifically with canvas support issues and toning on aged paint layers is a higher priority than general painting repair skills. I am willing to discuss adjusting the scope of work after the initial condition assessment if unexpected problems are discovered under the varnish.
Other / Miscellaneous Cash, Bank transfer
