OLJEMÅLERI PÅ PAPPER Undersökning av material och tillstånd hos en målning av Elisabeth Jerichau-Baumann

Abstract

This study contains an investigation of a 19th century oil painting on paper by Elisabeth Jerichau-Baumann, which is mounted on a secondary support of cardboard. The paint layer appears to be in good condition, but the cardboard support is aged and brittle, and is unable to provide necessary support for the safe handling of the painting. A few tears are present in the cardboard support which also penetrate the paint layer, and these have been covered with adhesive tape on the back of the cardboard. The purpose of the investigation is to gain further knowledge of the painting's materials and condition, with the aim to create a suggestion for its future conservation. The methods used included ocular investigation, microscopical and chemical analysis of samples from the supports and paint layers, and literary studies. The investigation provided information about the supports’ fiber content, acidity, and contents of lignin, starch, and proteins. Cross-section samples from the paint layer indicate the possible presence of a preparatory layer on the paper. However, further analysis would be required to confirm this. The conclusion of the investigation was that the supports are acidic and deteriorated, but the paint layer is currently stable. Because of this it is not deemed necessary to perform any larger interventions that could endanger the paintings stability. Instead, the recommended conservation actions include mounting the painting on a new support of acid free cardboard to increase its stability, removal of the adhesive tape, and mending of tears with Japanese paper and wheat starch paste. Finally, the painting should be stored laying down in a protective box made from acid-free materials, in a stable environment.