Portrait of a Lady

Artist: Unknown
Media: Oil on Canvas
Date: Circa 1750

Condition.

The Portrait of a Lady was in extremely bad condition. It did not appear to have been restored in the past, unusual for a painting over 250 years old.

The canvas was very fragile and weak and the painting had suffered a large multi directional tear in the sitter’s torso. A network of age cracks covered the surface much of which was associated with cupping paint. Pronounced stretcher bar marks were visible around the edges.

Treatment.

Due to the poor condition of the canvas and the large tear, it was necessary to reinforce the support with a glue paste lining.

A thick coating of dirt and two layers of discoloured varnish were removed before filling and retouching the tear. A fresh varnish was applied to enhance the colours.

Courtesy of Plowden & Smith