Scientific Examination

Every conservation process starts with a thorough evaluation of the artwork’s physical state and composition. Conservators analyze structural stability, recognize signs of deterioration, and identify materials and any past restorations. Such insights are essential for guiding appropriate and responsible treatment decisions.

Surface Cleaning

Over time, paintings accumulate a variety of surface contaminants—including dust, soot, biological deposits, and deteriorated varnish layers, etc—that unclear their appearance and contribute to ongoing degradation. Cleaning treatments are tailored to each artwork, considering factors such as age, material composition, paint medium, surface fragility, and overall condition. The primary goal is to recover visual clarity while safeguarding the original surface and supporting the artwork’s long-term preservation.

Structural Repairs

Paintings often suffer from structural issues due to environmental stress, mechanical damage, or aging of the support material. Services in this category include addressing distortions, tears, splits, and weakened joins—whether on canvas, wooden panel, parchment, or textile. These aim to re-establish the artwork’s physical integrity while maintaining its original format and stability.

Pigment Consolidation

In cases where paint layers exhibit flaking, powdering, or separation from the ground, consolidation becomes essential. This service ensures that the fragile painted surface is stabilized and secures the paint layer, preventing further material loss and preserving the chromatic and textural continuity of the artwork.

Chromatic Reintegration

(inpainting/retouching) Losses within the painted surface—due to abrasion, flaking, or previous damage—are visually reintegrated to restore compositional coherence. Reintegration is executed with restraint and precision, allowing areas of loss to harmonize with the surrounding original while remaining distinguishable under close examination. This balance maintains the authenticity of the piece while supporting its aesthetic unity.

Preventive Conservation

Long-term preservation is supported through preventive strategies tailored to each artwork’s needs. These may include guidance on environmental stabilization (humidity, temperature, light levels), safe storage, appropriate mounting systems, and risk mitigation during handling, transport, or exhibition. Preventive conservation serves as the first line of defense against future deterioration.

Documentation

Each conservation project is accompanied by comprehensive documentation, including imaging, condition mapping, and written reports. These records capture the artwork’s physical state before, during, and after treatment, ensuring transparency.