Analytical study and structural treatment for a thin panel painting

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to provide a deeper understanding of the painting techniques, materials used and deterioration phenomena in a thin panel painting. As well as, straightening buckling in a thin panel painting and reinforcement have been used by an auxiliary support system. Design/methodology/approach This requires using several scientific and analytical techniques to provide a deeper understanding of the painting techniques, materials used, deterioration phenomena and a greater awareness of how well treatment the panel painting is. Visual observation and multispectral imaging (Visible Ultraviolet-induced luminescence, as well as Ultraviolet reflected and Infrared [IR]), optical Microscopy (OM), handheld X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography were used in this case study. Findings The analytical study of a thin panel with different methods allowed defining that the thin panel painting consists of plywood panel, ground layer (white lead and animal glue) and painted layer (lead red, cobaltic black, chrome yellow, Venetian red, iron black and white lead and poppy oil). Also, these determined that a convex buckling was the main form of deterioration. The structure treatment was executed by using a wet compress to straighten the thin panel painting and followed by fixing a new special design of the second auxiliary support system on the back of the thin panel painting. Originality/value The importance of analytical study to determine the painting techniques, materials used, deterioration phenomena and how well treatment the panel painting is. As well as, using a wet compress to straightening of warping or buckling wooden panel painting. Also, the Plexiglas second auxiliary support system could use to reinforcement the wooden panel and control the wooden panel movements.