Art and Materials Conservation Commons^™

The Analysis And Conservation Treatment Of A Hand Carved Lectern, Elena Mars

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Treating gilded furniture is a complex endeavor requiring an understanding of manufacturing techniques and current methodologies. The giltwood lectern had structural damage from a termite infestation as well as cracks and losses throughout the gilding and gesso. It had undergone a past restorations that replaced the apron, the bottom of the back panel, and the front of the proper right panel. The lectern was analyzed with different imaging technologies including radiography, UVA visible fluorescence, and reflective UVA. Other analysis were done with Xray fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transform spectroscopy. Analysis revealed fabrication methods of the lectern and methods of past …

Technical Study And Considerations For Conservation Treatment Of A Banjo Clock, Stephanie Guidera

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A banjo clock featuring reverse glass painted panels with unknown provenance was assessed for conservation treatment. Research into the aesthetics and functionality of the clock, manufacture of clocks in the early United States, patent laws, and historic clock repair was conducted to support the proposed identification of this piece as a 19th century American clock. Conservation ethics regarding functional objects were considered and previous treatments of reverse glass paintings were studied. Materials within the many elements of the clock were analyzed and extensive adhesive testing was executed to find the appropriate consolidant to stabilize the painted glass panels. Treatment …

The Technical Study And Conservation Treatment Of A Silkscreen On Paper After Roy Lichtenstein, Colleen Watkins

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Non-Objective I (After Mondrian) is a silkscreen on paper printed in four colors (red, yellow, blue, and black) made after Roy Lichtenstein’s 1964 painting of the same name. The print arrived at the Garman Art Conservation Department tightly rolled, with significant discoloration and mechanical damage resulting from rolled storage in an uncontrolled environment that disfigured the flat, matte fields of printing ink. The before-treatment state of the object hindered the overall aesthetic appreciation of the artwork as well as its purpose as a reproduction of the painting. Multi-modal imaging and analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy …

Lady In Blue The Technical Study And Treatment Of A Portrait Of A Woman, Rachel Childers

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Technical analysis and conservation treatment were conducted on an oil on canvas Portrait of Madonna by an unknown artist. Both non-invasive analysis and invasive analysis including sampling was carried out to assist in the interpretation of artist technique and identify materials present. The primary goal of this project was to determine a suitable treatment protocol and provide an indication of artists materials used. The materials identification helped inform the treatment during treatment, specifically during varnish reduction and blanching mitigation. While the painting had several condition issues, extensive blanching was analyzed in more detail. Imaging and analytical techniques included ultraviolet and …

Rigging Stereoscopic Reality: The Fabrication That Enthused, Amused, Confused, And Provoked An Era, Clara Livy Bailin

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Stereo viewing captured the Victorian imagination with a shocking intensity. It infiltrated all levels of society, changed the manner in which scientists and philosophers understood human perception, and contributed to medicine and entertainment in ways we are still discovering today. Though it is largely considered a toy, the context for the machine at the center of this study is broad, complex, and has led to an unending and ongoing series of questions.

The Alexander Becker’s “sweetheart stereocard viewer arrived without documentation or purchase information. It had been in the owner’s family for over thirty years, twenty-five of which it spent …

A Comparative Study Of The Production And Treatment Of Wooden And Paper Bookboards To Inform The Treatment Of Two Books, Oa Sjoblom

Art Conservation Master's Projects

The production and treatment of wooden and paper book boards was explored through research and treatment of two bindings: the Strasbourg Bible from 1734, a binding with wooden boards with a split front board; and Peter B. Porter’s letterbook from 1814, a binding with paper boards with losses and weakening of the board. Primary sources such as bookbinding and boardmaking manuals were reviewed to understand the production of the two types of boards. To guide treatment, a literature review of historic and recent relevant conservation treatments was conducted. The board treatments performed were guided by this research, and focused of …

The Conservation Treatment And Technical Examination Of Joseph Piccillo’S Wall Painting L. J. M. #5, Anna Ersenkal

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Joseph Piccillo’s Wall Painting L. J. M. #5, (ca. 1965) is a large mixed media painting on canvas (dimensions) owned by the Nichols School in Buffalo, NY. Due to its poor condition, it was brought to the Garman Art Conservation Program for technical analysis and treatment. Imaging and scientific analysis was used to identify the variety of materials present in the largescale mixed-media painting. An artist interview was conducted to learn about Piccillo’s style throughout his career and acquire more information related to the materials and construction of the painting. Overall, the painting was in poor condition, with the …

The Conservation Treatment And Technical Analysis Of A 20th Century Painting By Haitian Artist J.E. Gourgue, Melissa Amundsen

Art Conservation Master's Projects

This project describes the conservation treatment and technical analysis of a painting on Masonite with an unknown title by Haitian artist Jacques-Enguerrand Gourgue. Imaging and scientific analysis aided in the identification of the artist’s materials which informed the treatment of this fragile painting. Prior to treatment, the piece exhibited severe flaking, widespread losses, and loose paint fragments resting on the surface, requiring it to be stored horizontally. Following treatment, the painting is now in stable condition, can once again be exhibited vertically and is aesthetically suitable for display. Background research briefly discusses the artist’s background, affiliations, and imagery.

The Conservation Treatment Of A 19th-Century Scottish Pastel On Paper, Perrine Le Saux

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A framed 19th century Scottish pastel portrait on paper, severely damaged after a fall, was admitted to the Garman Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State College for examination, research, and treatment. Conservation photography helped in documenting and understanding the extent of the damage. Research helped to reinforce the attribution of the drawing to Sir Daniel MacNee and to learn more about the man in the portrait: Robert Maxwell Jr. The drawing was torn significantly in its wood strainer as a result of the original glazing breaking and has suffered loss of media due in part to abrasion. The support …

Considerations Of The Conservation Treatment Of Profil: A Pochoir Print By Georges Braque, Grace Walters

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Georges Braque was a prolific creator in many mediums. Throughout his oeuvre, rapport and an attention to surface are essential components of his artistic style. These are both found in Profil, a collotype and pochoir print that is part of a larger portfolio: Espaces – 13 Dessins, Lavis, Aquarelles created in 1957. Diagnostic imaging, materials analyses using scanning X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and spectrophotometry, and comparative examination of two other editions of Profil revealed that extensive light damage and exposure to moisture had resulted in damages that interfered with the original rapport and surface quality of the print. An initial aqueous …

Treasury For The Diseased: A Book Re-Made Across Four Centuries, Bailey Kinsky

Art Conservation Master's Projects

No abstract provided.

The Rainbow Connection: Treatment And Analysis Of Hand-Colored Photographs, Courtney Helion

Art Conservation Master's Projects

The colors from two historic photographs, hand-coloring kits, and hand-colored mock-ups created from the hand-coloring kits were analyzed to identify their chemical compositions and binders, and to determine whether there were preferred conventional or proprietary pigments used in the hand-coloring of historic photographs. This information will benefit future analysis of historical hand-colored photographs and the development and implementation of treatment plans and goals. The photographs were examined and analyzed using Multimodality Imaging, Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF).

Conservation Treatment Of A 16th- 17th Century Panel Painting Attributed To Paul Brill, Jen Munch

Art Conservation Master's Projects

An oil painting on red oak panel, attributed to Paul Brill, was examined and treated. Structural issues resulting from the failure of an attached cradle system and a prior insect infestation of the wood support were addressed using a combination of modern and traditional methods and materials, including the removal of the cradle and the fabrication and attachment of a new flexible auxiliary support. An aged, discolored varnish layer and discolored prior inpainting were also addressed. Scientific analysis included the use of two X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) techniques, Spot XRF and Scanning XRF, to characterize materials used in the …

Sankofa: The Conservation Treatment And Analysis Of “The Surveying Of Washington, Dc By Benjamin Banneker”, Lastarsha Dee Mcgarity

Art Conservation Master's Projects

At the 1940 American Negro Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, a series of thirty-three dioramas were exhibited, and twenty of these dioramas were later given to Tuskegee University, where they later entered the collection of the Legacy Museum. Through the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Diversity Initiative, the Legacy Museum’s dioramas are being or have been treated at the Winterthur University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation, the Garman Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State College, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The history, analysis, and treatment of “The Surveying of Washington, DC by Benjamin Banneker” will be the focus …

Experimental Loss Techniques For The Filling And Inpainting Of Horizon ’72: A Screenprint By Noriko Yamamoto Prince, Carolyn Burns

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Filling and inpainting uniformly flat screenprinted surfaces present unique challenges for conservators. Research and experimentation identified successful loss compensation techniques for an eight-color screenprint entitled Horizon ’72 by Noriko Yamamoto Prince. Damages to the printed surface were extensive and trials revealed the insufficiency of traditional paper conservation inpainting practices. Digital fills, already used in textile and photo conservation, provided a practicable option for treatment. Colored inks from the original print were recreated digitally and printed on a high quality inkjet printer using pigment-based inks. An X-Rite spectrophotometer was used to compare L*a*b* values and reflectance spectra of the digitally …

Conservation And Structural Intervention Of A Writing Table, Karen Bishop

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A wooden writing table from the Buffalo History Museum was received for conservation treatment at Buffalo State College to address an inherent structural issue. Longwave ultraviolet (UVA) induced visible fluorescence and reflected UVA imaging were utilized in addition to x-radiography to document the table’s condition upon arrival. An artist interview was conducted and referenced to help guide formulation of a treatment plan. Structural intervention was carried out to create new mortise-and-tenon joints which utilized laminated bentwood tenons. Surface accretions were removed and an overcoat of polyurethane varnish was applied to unify the damaged surface.

Investigation And Treatment Of A 17th-Century Antiphonary, Clara Huisman

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A seventeenth-century Roman Catholic manuscript antiphonary was researched, examined, and technically analyzed. Research and examination identified the book’s general provenance and contents and provided an understanding of the binding’s production and its interventions. Imaging techniques and Optical Microscopy identified the material components. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) confirmed the cover’s painting to be a later addition to the binding. Conservation treatment was designed to restore the book’s mobility while adding a minimum of new materials and preserving previous repairs. The textblock leaves were stabilized, the cupped upper board was corrected, and the binding was reinforced.

An In-Depth Technical Analysis And Treatment Of A Floral Still Life Painting, Elizabeth Robson

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A floral still life painting believed to be of Flemish origin was examined using a variety of imaging and analytical techniques to better understand its materials and history. A palette including lead white, vermilion, orpiment, and ultramarine was confirmed, and the glue paste lining was also analyzed. The provenance and attribution of the painting was researched extensively, and it was concluded that it is more likely French than Dutch, created in the late 17th or early 18th century. Finally, aesthetic and structural treatments were undertaken to clean and stabilize the surface, revealing additional original detail and colors.

Analysis And Conservation Of A Chikara, Kaitlyn Wright

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A stringed musical instrument from the Buffalo Museum of Science was received for conservation treatment at Buffalo State College. Historical research, examination of previous interventions through imaging techniques, and material analysis were carried out to possibly place the instrument in a historical context and create an understanding of its fabrication. Transmission-Fourier transform infrared microscopy (Transmission-FTIR), pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (py-GC-MS), x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and microchemical testing were utilized to understand the coatings on the body of the instrument. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) was performed on the fibers, hair, and wood to understand the materials used in manufacture and their possible …

Adventures With Don Quixote: Examination And Treatment, Katarzyna Bator

Art Conservation Master's Projects

The third edition of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha from the collection of University at Buffalo Library was examined and treated. A proposed timeline of repairs was constructed based on information gathered through historical research, multiband imaging, x-radiography, and microscopy. The analysis identified at least four possible sewing events and revealed differences in fiber morphology of the papers composing the textblock. The study of past interventions guided the current conservation treatment. Old repairs were kept intact where possible, and the textblock was rebound in a conservation style hybrid structure that resembles the current …

Tanegashima: The Conservation Treatment And Research Of Two Japanese Matchlock Muskets, Katrina Zacharias

Art Conservation Master's Projects

In the fall of 2016, two Japanese matchlock muskets, called Tanegashima, were brought to the SUNY Buffalo State College Art Conservation Department for research, analysis and treatment. The firearms consist of steel, brass, silver and hardwood components. First, the history and fabrication methods of Japanese firearms were researched to try and establish a date, maker and provenance. In addition to the previous information, analysis was conducted of the materials, focusing primarily on identifying the original finishes of the barrel and stock, to determine a treatment approach.

The Analysis And Conservation Of A 1930s Theatrical Make-Up Kit, Mary Wilcop

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A 1930s theatrical makeup kit in the collection the Buffalo Museum of Science was analyzed and treated at the Garman Family Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State College. The kit, comprised of a tinplated-steel L. Leichner expandable makeup box, was packed tightly with 105 individual items including: greasepaints; paper, metal, and glass containers of powder- and cream-based cosmetics; wool crepe hairs; makeup-stained cotton balls; several plastic objects; and paper documents. The kit was gifted in 1983, where it had remained since in storage. Approaching treatment began with research into the history of theatrical cosmetics to lend context to the historical …

An Investigation Into Crack Patterns And The Temperature At Which They Occur, Carolyn Hoover

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Recently, a large abstract painting entitled Dialogue (2007) by Lee Ufan was donated to the SUNY Buffalo State Art Conservation program as a study piece. Due to disfiguring horizontal cracking throughout the painting’s surface in the white margins, the painting was considered a total loss that no longer represented the artist’s intentions or work. The intent of this project was to investigate how and why these cracks appeared throughout this painting in this specific pattern. It was suggested by Professor James Hamm that this crack pattern was the result of a singular event when the painting entered a low temperature …

Risk Assessment And Conservation Treatment Of Visual Poetry In A Research Library Collection, Michelle Smith

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A risk assessment was conducted on a collection of 135 works of visual poetry designated as "poetry objects" in the Poetry Collection at University at Buffalo Libraries. A survey instrument was created to allow for identification of existing condition problems in order to predict future issues and quantify risks of damage resulting from three sources: 1) method of storage, 2) presence of chemically unstable materials, and 3) user handling. The results of the risk assessment were summarized and provided to The Poetry Collection along with recommendations for reducing risk to the collection. Method of storage was determined to be the …

Repairing The Restored: Conserving A Mid-19th Century Hand-Colored Aquatint Etching, Allison Brewer

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A mid-nineteenth century aquatint and etching print with hand coloring was admitted for conservation treatment to the Garman Family Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State College. The print was in very poor condition upon arrival. Investigating the print using materials analysis helped deduce some of the original materials in the manufacturing of the print as well as non-original materials used to restore it. Ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) imaging revealed many damages and repairs to the support. Transmission-Fourier transform infrared microscopy (Transmission-FTIR) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (py-GC-MS) were used to confirm the presence of a varnish layer, x-ray fluorescence …

Basket Case: Treatment And Analysis Of A Northwestern California Basket, Stephanie Cashman

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A northwestern California basket was brought to the SUNY Buffalo State Garman Art Conservation Department for treatment and analysis in the fall of 2016. The basketry materials, colorants and fabrication methods were investigated. Material analysis was carried out using polarized light microscopy (PLM) to identify the types of woody plant materials used. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) were performed to better understand possible colorants. Mockups and a 3D model, both digital and printed, were created to gain insight into the construction techniques. Analysis confirmed the baskets place of origin …

Conservation Of A Mid-19th Century Children’S Sofa, Daniel J. Kaping

Art Conservation Master's Projects

The conservation treatment of a small mid-19th century sofa with horsehair upholstery has been performed in this project, with the primary goals of: stabilization, reduction of visual disruption from damage, and detention of original material. This has involved utilizing fill materials and repairs where possible in contrast to traditional reupholstering techniques. Secondary to these goals, analysis and imaging have been performed in order to more closely understand the materials involved in the construction of the sofa, its intended purpose (likely as a child’s plaything), and in hopes of uncovering some of its history and origin. Analytical techniques such …

The Conservation Treatment And Technical Examination Of A German Impressionist Painting, Sara Kornhauser

Art Conservation Master's Projects

This project details the conservation treatment of the painting Sommergluth (1893) by Hans (Johann Wilhelm) Olde, which was owned by the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Imaging and scientific analysis is used to identify the materials and techniques used by the artist, helping inform the treatment steps. The painting’s most severe condition issue was flaking and cleaving paint along with copious amounts of dirt embedded in an unvarnished paint film with heavy impasto. The research and findings from this project have art historical value for the little-known German artist, with this project being the first known in-depth study. The stabilization and treatment …

Toulouse Or Not Toulouse: Analysis And Conservation Of An Oil On Panel Painting, Kathryn Harada

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Technical analysis and conservation treatment was carried out on a late 19th century oil on panel painting, potentially a portrait of Yvette Guilbert by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Materials analysis was done to identify pigments, binding media, varnish, and wood. X-ray fluorescence, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were employed. Extensive photographic documentation was executed to track changes before, during, and after treatment, and to enhance examination. No modern pigments introduced after the turn of the 20th century were discovered. Hypotheses are made about the artist’s methods. Information obtained through …

Technical Analysis And Conservation Treatment Of A Mid-Eighteenth Century Chinese Carved Wood Lacquer Bodhisattva Sculpture, Lisa Ackerman

Art Conservation Master's Projects

In order to determine the materials used, method of manufacture, origin, and method of treatment; conservation issues were assessed, and sampling was conducted in appropriate areas of the lacquer for analysis. Examination and analyses were carried out using photographic techniques, x- radiography, optical microscopy, X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS). The results were then used to consider materials, fabrication method, and possibilities of origin; and to formulate a plan for treatment using appropriate materials and methods.