Evolon - Rijksmuseum

Yellowed or degraded varnish layers can mark the appearance of paintings and make it difficult to read the image. These varnishes are removed by using organic solvents. Research into the properties of the microfibre cloth Evolon CR is used to optimally use this material for the removal of varnishes.

About the project

Evolon CR is a microfibre cloth consisting of polyamid and polyester fibres. It has proven itself to be extremely useful in absorbing organic solvents and in this way applying these on degraded varnish layers. It allows the dissolution and removal of these varnishes in a controlled way. This project investigates whether the material is safe enough and seeks to optimize the protocol for its use on paintings. The goal is to thoroughly understand the way in which Evolon functions and to define the advantages and limitations compared to traditional methods of varnish removal. The ultimate goal is to assess the suitability of Evolon CR for the removal of varnish on The Night Watch.

Staff

Laura Raven
Paintings Conservator
l.raven@rijksmuseum.nl

Lambert Baij
Researcher (until 10-2020)

Chun (Tracy) Liu
2020-2021 Migelien Gerritzen Fellow in Conservation Science
chun.liu@rijksmuseum.nl

Katrien Keune
Head of Science
k.keune@rijksmuseum.nl

Alba Alvarez Martin
Junior researcher
a.alvarez.martin@rijksmuseum.nl

Petria Noble
Head of Paintings Conservation
p.noble@rijksmuseum.nl

Publications

L. Baij, J. Buijs, J.J. Hermans, L. Raven, P.D. Iedema, K. Keune and J. Sprakel, 'Quantifying solvent action in oil paint using portable laser speckle imaging', in: Scientific Reports, 10, 1 (2020).
L. Baij, A. Astefanei, J. Hermans, F. Brinkhuis, H. Groenewegen, L. Chassouant and K. Keune, 'Solvent-mediated extraction of fatty acids in bilayer oil paint models: a comparative analysis of solvent application methods.' In: Heritage Science, 7, 31 (2019).
G. Tauber, S. Smelt, P. Noble, K. Kirsch, A. Siejek, K. Keune, H. van Keulen, S. Smulders-De Jong and R. Erdmann, 'Evolon CR. Its use from a scientific and practical conservation perspective' in: AIC Paintings Specialty Group Postprints 31 (2018) 45 - 50.

Partners and sponsors

This project is in collaboration with Stichting Zabawas.