The consequences of wax-resin linings for the present appearance and conservation of seventeenth century Netherlandish paintings on canvas

Abstract

Most of the canvas paintings in Dutch collections have been wax-resin lined. This restoration method, used by conservators from the mid-nineteenth century onwards, is known to darken paintings. Many Netherlandish seventeenth century paintings were painted leaving locally the ground visible, to be used as a mid-tone. A colour change of the ground imparted by lining would therefore alter the tonal balance of the paintings. Furthermore, since colour change implies a modification of the physical characteristics of the paint film, it is important for conservators to be able to recognize such alteration. This PhD investigated the materials from the ground layers of a range of seventeenth century Netherlandish paintings in order to create ground reconstructions that provided the means to compare colour change on lining. The colour measurements showed that after treatment, the ground reconstructions became darker and cooler in hue. Furthermore, the study of the measurements indicated that the extent of change depended on the layer thickness, the type of binding medium as well as on the nature and proportion of inorganic components present. The hiding power of the grounds was also found to be a key factor. The research enables conservators to predict the likelihood that paintings have been altered by wax-resin lining. It also brings new insight for recognizing and understanding visual changes caused by this treatment and provides new evidence to reconsider the original appearance of paintings