Francis Osbourne, 5th Duke of Leeds

Artist: Sir Thomas Lawrence
Media: Oil on Canvas
Date:1792

Condition.

The large full length portrait by Lawrence had suffered from water damage.

The widespread white patchy areas were due to ‘blanching’, the term given to a white hazy appearance. In this case the blanching was due to moisture becoming trapped in the varnish layer.

Treatment.

Unstable paint concentrated in the top right hand quadrant and down the left side was consolidated.

There was a layer of dirt on the painting as well as a discoloured varnish. These were removed, along with the blanching, to reveal Lawrence’s accomplished brushwork with sumptuous textures of feathers, satin and intricate gold regalia. 

A fresh varnish further enhanced the colours and all losses were filled and retouched.

Courtesy of Plowden & Smith