Conservators

A conservator’s perspective entails many detailed aspects, some of these include: the artist’s hand, natural aging of materials, craquelure, working habits of the artist, properties of the paint, types of stretchers/paper supports/canvases, history of conservation treatments, artistic ingenuity (or mediocrity?), findings held on the reverse of paintings (labels, stamps etc.), and much more….

It is highly desirable to apply the expert eye gained during years of restoration practice to in-depth investigations of artworks, leading to an assessment of whether we are dealing with an original or a forgery.

The visual encounter is the initial judgement followed by standard imaging techniques such as UV imaging, IR reflectography, X-radiograph. At the same time, material analysis of paint samples taken from the artwork is sent to the laboratory.

Which methods qualify for each particular case?  …is the artwork of top quality that it is  suitable for the work of a team of experts? The restorer addresses these questions after you ask, “Could you take a look at it?”