Revisiting the past
Evaluating Historical Conservation Recipes for Cleaning Oil Paintings at the Rijksmuseum
This project evaluates the effects of various historical application methods for removing picture varnishes and other unwanted materials from oil painting surfaces.
About the project
This project re-examines historical cleaning recipes as sustainable alternatives for varnish removal in painting conservation. From a database of over 1,000 recipes, ‘greener’, low-tech methods were tested on varnished mock-ups and oil paintings. Materials explored include salt, rainwater, clays, sorrel leaves, and heated solvents used to soften varnishes. Paint surfaces were evaluated visually and with advanced, non-invasive techniques (HIROX 3D, ER-FTIR, LSI). Another outcome of the study is a visual database, documenting damage patterns from earlier conservation treatments on Old Master paintings at the Rijksmuseum. By revisiting recipes dating back to 1560, this project offers insights into both the risks and potential benefits of historical cleaning methods.
Aims of the project
This project seeks to re-introduce historic cleaning recipes dating from the 16th to the 20th century into modern conservation practice. These nature-inspired, bio-based and low-tech cleaning recipes merit investigation as ‘greener’ options for cleaning oil paintings.
Related publications
Piles, R.-D. Cours de peinture par principes. Amsterdam, Leipzig, & Paris: Arkstée et Merkus / Charles-Antoine Jombert, 1766. (Rijksmuseum Special Collections)
Achsel, B., en G. Secco Suardo. Das Manuale von Giovanni Secco Suardo von 1866/1894. Göttingen: V&R Unipress, 2012. (Rijksmuseum Bibliotheek)
Staff
Victoria Ward
Victoria.Ward@rijksmuseum.nl
Migelien Gerritzen Fellow
Katrien Keune
k.keune@rijksmuseum.nl
Head of Science of Rijksmuseum
Partners and Sponsors
Research Partner: GoGreen
Migelien Gerrizten Fund