Art and Materials Conservation Commons^™

The Analysis And Conservation Of Hodínöhšö:Ni:H Basketry At The Seneca- Iroquois National Museum, Elena L. Best

Art Conservation Master's Projects

This master’s project documents the analysis, conservation, and collaborative stewardship of Hodínöhšö:ni:h basketry at the Seneca–Iroquois National Museum (SINM), housed within the Onöhsagwë:dé Cultural Center. The project represents a continued partnership between SINM and the Garman Art Conservation Department at SUNY Buffalo State University and addresses both immediate conservation needs and long-term collection care planning.

The multi-phased study included: (1) a condition survey of 115 mold-affected baskets (2) elemental analysis of selected pigments and materials using handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF); (3) microbiological sampling and preliminary identification of fungal species present on select baskets; (4) the development and implementation of a …

Observations Of Foxing On Albumen: A Technical Analysis Of Three Photographs, Margaret Canfield

Art Conservation Master's Projects

This project centers around three albumen landscape photographs from the 1870s and 1880s. The three photographs all display severe, yet visually different foxing and staining. The project explores the cause of the foxing on each photograph and how that affects the photographic structure. The analytical techniques utilized were technical imaging, x-radiography, optical microscopy, x-ray fluorescence mapping, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and microflora isolation.

Stamps Of The World: Treatment And Research Of A Three-Volume Stamp Collection, Devon M. Blankenbaker

Art Conservation Master's Projects

This master’s project focused on three key areas: cataloging materials, treating book structures, and investigating green stamp pigments. Each section was chosen to build my skills as a conservator. By applying archival processing techniques, I gained a deeper understanding of the collection and identified the albums in the project. Diagrams and a finding aid improved my confidence in archival work. Treating album structures offered valuable experience in dry cleaning, tear repair, and board reattachment, helping me apply knowledge across multiple volumes and prepare for future treatments. The scientific analysis, using XRF and FTIR, provided insight into green stamp pigments and …

Historical Research And Conservation Treatment Of An Oversized 19th-Century Subscription Family Bible, Charlotte Starnes

Art Conservation Master's Projects

This paper briefly examines the construction, materials, and conservation challenges of 19th-century subscription Bibles, focusing on the treatment of an 1885 Thomas Kelly Latin Vulgate Family Bible. These large-format, heavily decorated volumes represent the unique intersection of industrialized book production and traditional hand-binding techniques. Through the visual comparison of multiple subscription Bible structures and canvasser’s sample books, historical research, and survey responses from conservators, this project identifies key structural features, including hybrid board attachment methods, varied sewing techniques, and the sculpted two-board coverboard structure. X-radiography, microscopy, and preliminary XRF analysis provide further insights into material choices, such as the use …

Research On The Use And Effects Of Freezing In Controlling Clothes Moth Infestations In A Contemporary Art Collection, Sara Thornburg

Art Conservation Master's Projects

This study investigates the efficacy and implications of low-temperature pest eradication— specifically freezing—as a method for managing clothes moth infestations in museum collections, with a focus on contemporary and composite artworks. Prompted by the evolving needs of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), this research explores current best practices, material vulnerabilities, and institutional approaches to freezing treatments. A literature review was conducted alongside a global survey of 40 museum professionals to assess how freezing protocols are implemented, what materials are considered safe, and what challenges arise in real world applications. Results show that while freezing remains a widely …

Technical Study And Conservation Treatment Of A Painted Wooden Figure, Attributed As An 18th-Century American Sternboard, Sutton Hastman

Art Conservation Master's Projects

This study focuses on the investigation of an object owned by the Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) that was cataloged as an 18th -century American sternboard. The MAG shared concerns regarding the object’s provenance and whether the object was correctly identified. Technical analysis, including multimodal photography, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and wood identification, was conducted to inform the museum on the fabrication of the object and on its material components. The information collected was examined alongside historical research regarding the authenticity of the provenance, aiming to better understand the nature of the …

The Reveal: A Technical Study And Conservation Treatment Of An Overpaint Portrait, Camille Ferrer

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A severely damaged 19th-century oil painting depicting a portrait of a woman was treated at Patricia H. and E. Garman Art Conservation Department. A typed letter provided by the owner mentioned that it has been previously restored yet returned with unsatisfactory results. After further examination, the painting appeared to have been previously treated multiple times by different people. There was overpaint distinctly present on the face and later discovered to be present overall. The full state of condition of the painting was initially unknown due to the sum of the surface being overpainted. However, there were evidence of paint loss …

Christ Child Bearing The Instruments Of The Passion Technical Study And Treatment Of A Painting On Copper From The Viceroyalty Of Peru, Daniela González-Pruitt

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Christ Child Bearing the Instruments of the Passion (acc.# 228017) is a 17^th century Peruvian Viceregal painting on copper belonging to the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation. The painting depicts the Christ Child on a flower laid path as he carries the instruments of the passion also known as the Arma Christi Paintings executed on copper convey new and challenging preservation issues based on their materials and techniques.. The work had been heavily restored and exhibited several condition issues, including significant overpaint and broad losses. The painting was photographed using multimodal imaging techniques as well as reflectance …

Nineteen Figures And Counting: Contextualization And Conservation Treatment Of A Jacob Spoel Painting, Susan P. Enterline

Art Conservation Master's Projects

This study focuses on the research, technical analysis, and treatment of an 1852 Jacob Spoel painting (Untitled, acc.62.28, 80cm H x 105cm W x 1.75cm D) owned by the Memorial Art Gallery and described as a ‘family gathering.’ When received by the department, the painting was not in a fit state for display; it was not structurally sound and had a disfiguring varnish reducing the readability of the composition. Technical research, multimodal imaging, radiography, and instrumental analysis, including x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, cross-sectional analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, were carried out to understand the materials and …

Analysis And Conservation Of A 19th Century Automaton, Elisse D. Brautigam

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A late 19th century automaton, Madame La Doll, in the collections of the Buffalo History Museum ceased functioning recently, with the only recorded documentation of the object in motion stored on a DVD. Research was undertaken to provide provenance and authentication of museum records. Examination, digital photographic, and video documentation were done. Materials analysis using ultraviolet induced visible fluorescence, digital capture X-radiography, transmission Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and FFMPEG were undertaken to characterize all object and video materials employed, identify alterations and repairs as well as provide information relevant to the study and display of …

The Conservation Treatment And Technical Study Of Two Marisol Sculptures, Ruthie Rolfsmeyer

Art Conservation Master's Projects

ABCDEFG & Hi (1961-62) and Father Damien (1966-67) are both painted wooden sculptures created by Marisol during the height of her fame. Although Marisol is a well-known artist, whose fame has been rekindling since her death in 2016, there have been few technical studies of her works. Multimodal imaging and scientific analysis of these two sculptures provide insight into their structure and materials. Techniques include x-ray radiography, reflectance transformation imaging, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Key findings include the identification of toolmarks, nitrocellulose, alkyd, and acrylic paints, and a genuine diamond and pearl in …

Not So Cavalier: Technical Study And Conservation Treatment Of A Potential 17th Century Anglo-Dutch Military Portrait Painting, Josephine Ren

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A potential 17^th century Anglo-Dutch military portrait painting from the Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York arrived at the Garman Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State University for conservation research and treatment in 2022. The painting’s title, date, and artist were unknown and the subject was initially referred to as a “17^th Century Dutch Cavalier.” Little information existed on the provenance and history of the artwork. The painting was in a state of structural instability and aesthetic disfigurement and showed evidence of a past restoration campaign. This master’s project attempted to broadly …

Technical Study And Conservation Treatment Of A Victorian-Era Taxidermy Bird Group, Daisy Greenwell

Art Conservation Master's Projects

During the Victorian era, taxidermy objects played the roles of educational tools, decoration, and personal adornment. The object at the center of this paper falls into the second category: decoration. It is a taxidermy bird life group, made up of six bird specimens, papier mâché rockwork, and dried plant material mounted on and around a faux tree armature. Owned by the Buffalo Museum of Science, it came to the Garman Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State University with no provenance record or attributions to a known maker. Two goals were developed at the onset of this project: to flesh out …

“Der Niagara”: Research, Analysis, And Treatment Of A 19th-Century Etching On A Strawboard Support, Jenni Krchak

Art Conservation Master's Projects

“Der Niagara”, an 1850’s etching of Niagara Falls on incredibly thin paper with an un-inked print address, was brought in by the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library (BECPL) for treatment in 2018 to the Garman Art Conservation Department. The print was adhered overall around the perimeter to an unstable strawboard support. Treatment was undertaken to remove the print from the strawboard, address discoloration, planar distortions, tears and losses, and rehouse the print in an appropriate enclosure. Research, visual analysis, and comparison to other copies was used to date the piece and establish it as a proof print. Multimodal imaging …

The Research And Treatment Of A Qing Dynasty Garment From The Buffalo Museum Of Science, Nhat Quyen D. Nguyen

Art Conservation Master's Projects

The scope of this project was to research, analyze and treat a sleeveless garment from the Buffalo Museum of Science that is thought to be originally from China. The sleeveless garment was donated to the museum by Chauncey J. Hamlin and little information is known about the context or origin of the garment. Research was conducted to gain historical information about the type of garment and why it was made. Analysis was conducted on the fibers, metal wrapped threads and dyes to identify the materials used. The garment was treated with a heat activated adhesive support patch to stabilize the …

Conservation Treatment And Technical Analysis Of A Blue & White Parian Vase, Yuyin Li

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Parian ware is a type of hard-paste, biscuit porcelain first manufactured in Victorian England and later in Bennington, Vermont as well. This project studied a Parian vase with Multi-Spectral Imaging and x-ray radiography and analyzed it with x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Results suggested a potassium rich clay, a zinc rich cobalt overglaze, and an interior clear lead glaze. Conservation treatment cleaned and compensated for the losses in the vase. Library research did not identify the vase’s place of manufacture; it showed the vase has similar designs as objects in the Elizabeth McCullough …

The Technical Study And Conservation Of A Multiplex Hologram, Lindsay Cross

Art Conservation Master's Projects

“The Kiss II” is a Multiplex hologram created by Lloyd Cross in 1975. Conservation treatment was sought out to address condition concerns that included instability and dust and dirt accumulation. In addition to completing conservation treatment, this project aims to improve upon the imaging and preventive protocol for Multiplex holograms. Although there is much research available on the technology of holograms, there is very little information available on conservation treatment of Multiplex holograms. The steps taken throughout the course of this project have been thoroughly documented to lay the groundwork for a potential protocol for documenting and treating Multiplex holograms.

Les Trésors De La Maison, Or L’Amour Maternel: The Technical Study And Treatment Of Previously-Restored Painting, Katherine C. Aguirre

Art Conservation Master's Projects

“Mother and Children” is a painting belonging to the collection of the Garman Art Conservation Program at SUNY Buffalo State College. The painting depicts a seated woman with light skin and dark hair and two children. The painting was damaged in the past, and the image was obscured by thick layers of grime and oxidized varnish. It had also been previously treated on at least two occasions. A full technical analysis and conservation treatment was completed. The methods of analysis included multi-modal imaging, x-radiography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and cross-sectional analysis. The goal of the analysis was …

Straight Out-Of-The-Tube: Analysis And Conservation Of George Mathieu’S Pour Une Aliénation Définitive Du Logos, Christy H. Mccutchen

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Pour une aliénation définitive du logos (96.5 cm × 195.6 cm, Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Acc.1971:7), painted in 1955 by French artist Georges Mathieu (1921-2012) is an iconic example of Lyrical Abstraction. Mathieu launched this European counterpart to Abstract Expressionism in the post-war upheaval of 1947. His unorthodox methods present a unique combination of aesthetic concerns and intrinsic material instability. Mathieu’s technique involved squeezing oil paints out-of-the-tube directly onto his canvas with rapid and spontaneous calligraphic motions. The primary condition issue for Pour une aliénation définitive du logos was the failing adhesion between this thickly applied paint and the primed …

Technical Analysis And Treatment Of A Folk Art Portrait Of A Boy, Khanh P. Nguyen

Art Conservation Master's Projects

This Master’s Project is a multidisciplinary technical study and conservation treatment of Portrait of a Boy, a 19th century oil painting on canvas and thought to be an example of the American Folk Art movement. Research into Folk Art traditions was executed to inform the context of the artwork. Comprehensive imaging and scientific analyses provided additional historical and material context for the painting. The painting was imaged with the following techniques: visible illumination, ultraviolet (UV) reflectography, ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence, infrared reflectography, visible-induced infrared (IR) luminescence, x-radiography, and multispectral imaging (MSI). Scientific and materials analyses included: optical microscopy of fiber …

19th-Century Medical Saddlebag: An Analysis Of The Contents And A Conservation Treatment, Lorna J. Brundrett

Art Conservation Master's Projects

The medicinal contents found within a mid-1800’s saddlebag were investigated using multimodal imaging techniques, micro-transmission Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (transFTIR), pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (pyGCMS), X- Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), Raman Spectroscopy and the reference collection of the SUNY Buffalo State Eckert Herbarium. Housed within glass vials and paper packets, the medicinal samples from seventeen different containers were analyzed and their results compared with historical references. Medicines with probable identification were found to be of both mineral and botanical origins: mercurous chloride, lead acetate, magnesium carbonate, iron oxides, gum arabic, ground croton seeds, benzoin resin, Fabaceae senna and Arctostaphylos …

A Lifetime Of Stress: Analysis And Treatment Of An Inlaid Chinese Box, Katherine Mcfarlin

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Inlaid wooden objects are complex and intricate mixed media assemblages that can provide significant challenges to the conservator, as the properties of the individual materials can conflict and complicate treatment options. For example, traditional inlay materials such as ivory and mother-of-pearl are particularly susceptible to shifts in moisture and acidity, and the hygroscopic nature of historic proteinaceous adhesives can exacerbate dimensional changes in the surrounding wood. This paper describes the research and subsequent treatment to stabilize and restore a Qing dynasty wooden tabletop chest inlaid with ivory, mother-of-pearl, and various siliceous minerals. A combination of adhesive failure along multiple joints …

Material Analysis And Conservation Treatment Of Louise Nevelson’S Sculpture Dawn’S Image, Night, Kaela Nurmi

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Louise Nevelson’s large-scale, matte black assemblage sculpture Dawn’s Image, Night, 1969, is owned by and currently on display at SUNY Buffalo State College. The paint layers exhibited significant amounts of dust, some damages, vandalism, and unsightly fingerprints. Extensive scientific analysis and archival research were utilized to design an appropriate treatment and long-term preservation plan. Methods of analysis include: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, microchemical testing, and xray fluorescence spectroscopy. The project also addresses the ethical considerations surrounding the prior removal of original components for safety considerations, repainting as a possible treatment, and the overall obstacles of treating a …

Comparative Study Of American Cloth Covered Bindings 1850–1869 And Treatment Of The Silver Sunbeam (1864), Emma Guerard

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Ten cloth covered edition bindings, produced in America between 1850 and 1869 and found in the Buffalo State Conservation Department, were selected for comparative study. A history of bookbinding practices in industrialized American binderies of the 19th century is presented. The books were examined for evidence of machine manufacture. Study of the book structures was enhanced with raking illumination photography, reflectance transformation imaging (RTI), and X-radiography. Elemental analysis of colorants in bookcloths was done with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). Fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS) and multi-spectral imaging (MSI) were explored as methods for differentiating dyed textile covers. Information gained from …

Research, Analysis And Conservation Treatment Of A 19th Century Watercolor, Abby Schleicher

Art Conservation Master's Projects

This project focused on a watercolor from the mid- nineteenth century referred to as [Sailboats and Windmill] by Edward Tucker. The research concentrated on the popularity of watercolors in Britain in the 18th and 19th century along with the techniques and materials developed around this time. Visual examination along with multi-modal imaging techniques and scientific analysis utilizing X-ray fluorescence and Micro-Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Spectroscopy aided understanding and identification of materials.

Contextualizing And Reconstructing A Model Birch Bark Canoe, Jen Mikes

Art Conservation Master's Projects

To perform a well-informed conservation treatment on an object, it is crucial to understand its context, history, and significance. When an object presents with little provenance or context, it can be difficult to determine the course that its treatment should follow. In this project, a structurally unstable birch bark canoe model of unknown origin was examined, researched, and treated. The treatment campaign was customized for the object based on literature research, owner consultation, and materials experimentation. The canoe model was structurally stabilized with adhesive and adhesive reactivated Japanese tissue, it was locally humidified and reshaped with Gore-Tex sandwiches, and was …

Object Lessons: The Technical Analysis And Conservation Treatment Of 19th Century Botanical Teaching Models, Rio Lopez

Art Conservation Master's Projects

The following paper describes the technical analysis and conservation treatment of four botanical teaching models from the late 19th century – 20th century from the Buffalo Museum of Science. One of the models was manufactured by French based company, Fil d’Emile Deyrolle. The other three models were manufactured by, Robert and Reinhold Brendel, a father and son team, and the major focus of this paper. Research into the history of model-making will first be explored to understand their significance. Material analysis was conducted to better understand the structure and materials used to fabricate these objects. Examining several of these objects …

Piety And Cultural Identity: Research, Analysis And Treatment Of Pennsylvania-German Fraktur, Basia Nosek

Art Conservation Master's Projects

The treatment involved two Pennsylvania-German fraktur, which is a highly embellished folk art created by early German settlers in the United States. Digital imagining, visual examination, X-ray Fluorescence and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy aided the understanding of materials present. The technical analysis of pigments combined with research allowed for a better understanding of how these objects were created, as well as helped tailor an appropriate treatment. Ultimately, due to presence of copper and iron-based pigments, Klucel G in denatured ethyl alcohol was used to provide structural integrity to the objects. Klucel G was an appropriate adhesive choice due to its aging …

The Conservation And Technical Study Of An Early 20th Century Opera Coat, Heather Hodge

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A ca. 1925 opera coat, made by Tegler, Inc. in Buffalo, New York, was the focus of a three pronged study: a structural conservation treatment, a technical study, and research into turn of the 20th century dressmaking shops. Characterization of the many components on the coat was performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography, multi-modal imaging, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Understanding the chemical and physical properties of various components on the coat aided in determining the treatment methodology as well as providing valuable historical context. Background research briefly discusses the coat’s prior owner, the dressmaking …

The Analysis And Treatment Of Ephraim Chambers’ Cyclopaedia, Christine Manwiller

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A copy of the 1786 edition of Ephraim Chambers’ Cylopaedia was researched and analyzed, developing an informed treatment plan. Imaging techniques and scientific analysis were used to identify materials, revealing details about the original binding structure and later repairs using manuscript waste and textile fragments. Treatment included extensive paper repair to all three volumes and the two gatherings of plates, and strengthening the abbreviated sewing structures with new sewing and spine linings. This complex treatment also involved parchment toning for rebacking material, stabilizing the previous textile repair, and replacing a missing board.