Oil paint on artists board

The oil painting exhibited extensive drying cracks across the whole surface due to inherent issues stemming from the inadequate application of the original paint layers. Craquelure was especially pronounced in areas with high concentrations of dark brown pigment, a known siccative, revealing the underlying white preparation layers. The painting also had a layer of surface dust and dirt, an unevenly applied varnish layer, and flaking paint. To restore image cohesion, we completed the following treatments:

• cleaned the surface of dust

• stabilising flaking paint

• filled the cracks to create a level surface

• retouched filled cracks with conservation grade paints

• applied a new varnish to saturate and protect the paint layer