The conservation of panel paintings and related objects : : research agenda, 2014-2020 / / Nico Kos, Paul van Duin (editors).

• TeilnehmendeR: Kos, Nico,; van Duin, Paul,
• Place / Publishing House: The Hague : : NWO, Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research,, 2014.
• Year of Publication: 2014
• Language: English
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (226 pages)

Until the early 17th century almost all portable paintings were created on wood supports, including masterpieces by famous painters, ranging from Giotto to Dürer to Rembrandt. The structural conservation of these paintings requires specific knowledge and skills as the supports are susceptible to damage caused by unstable environmental conditions. Unfortunately, past structural interventions often caused significant damage due to insufficient knowledge of the behaviour of the wood panels, glue and paint layers. Over the last fifty years, the field has developed treatment strategies based on interdisciplinary collaboration and on the knowledge of specialist conservators. Most current conservation protocols rely on empirical knowledge of conservators and are not necessarily based on a scientific understanding of the nature and behaviour of wood and paint layers. In order to move the field forward, it is imperative to strengthen scientific research into the production methods, ageing and future behaviour of panel paintings, being an intricate interplay between different materials. A deeper understanding of the processes that adversely affect panel paintings over time will contribute to the improved care and conservation of these artworks. The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam brought together a group of experts from different disciplines to recommend specific areas in the field that would benefit from systematic research. The experts concluded that targeted interdisciplinary research projects are key to understanding the behaviour of panel paintings and help conservators make better informed decisions. Research into chemical and physical properties of wood, glue and paint layers should be combined with an evaluation of past and current conservation treatments. Research should also consider the history of the object, studio practice, conservation history and thoughts on long-term impact of treatments.

Table of Contents

Summary 8 -- 1. Introduction 11 -- 1.a The panel painting 13 -- 1.b. Background to the report 14 -- 2. The Painted Support: Properties and Behaviour of Wood 17 -- 2.a. Construction of a Panel Painting 19 -- 2.b. Fundamentals of Wood Structure 20 -- 2.c. Damage Observed in Wooden Panels 32 -- 2.d. The Role of Climatic Conditions 44 -- 2.e. Current Conservation Practise 46 -- 2.f. Conclusions 57 -- 2.g. Research questions 59 -- 2.h. References 61 -- 3. The painted surface and interface 73 -- 3.a. Types of damage 77 -- 3.b. The interaction of layers and adhesion 77 -- 3.c. Review of Research 78 -- 3.d. Research questions 82 -- 3.e. References 85 -- 4. Adhesives, consolidants, coatings 91 -- 4.a. The hows and whys of adhesion 93 -- 4.b. The nature of wood as an adherend 99 -- 4.c. Conservation reports 102 -- 4.d. Insights required for designing conservation applications 105 -- 4.e. Conclusions 107 -- 4.f. Research questions 109 -- 4.g. References 111 -- 5. Acquisition of Information 117 -- 5.a. Population Studies 119 -- 5.b. Modelling 120 -- 5.c. Methods & Imaging 122 -- 5.d. Conclusions 131 -- 5.e. Research questions 132 -- 5.f References 133 -- 6. Knowledge dissemination and education 139 -- 6.a. Knowledge and skills requirements 142 -- 6.b. Knowledge dissemination 148 -- 6.c. Project Planning, Proprietary Materials, and Advanced Technology 156 -- 6.d. Future desired outcomes 157 -- 6.e. Future Research questions 161 -- 6.f. Relevant Journals and References 163 -- 7. Conclusions 169 -- Appendices -- 1. Glossary 178 -- 2. Proceedings of the expert meeting, 9-11 January 2011 190 -- 3. Author biographies 206 -- Participants in the expert meeting 9-11 January 2011, Amsterdam 212 -- Acknowledgements 222 -- Colophon 224.