Royal Museums Greenwich specialists have recently undertaken a crucial conservation project on A Royal Visit to the Fleet, a masterpiece by artist Willem van de Velde the Younger. This involved a stage of the treatment being conducted within the historic Queen's House itself, allowing visitors a rare glimpse into the world of painting conservation. But what exactly goes into preserving a painting that is over 300 years old? Paintings conservator Sarah Maisey sheds light on the process.
Currently, the focus is on the retouching stage of the conservation process. This phase is one of the final and most visually impactful parts of the restoration process. Upon initial examination of the painting, it was discovered that previous harsh restoration treatments had caused damage. Small dark spots, particularly noticeable in lighter areas of the sky, were revealed where the upper paint film had been worn away, exposing the dark 'priming' layer beneath. These imperfections can be distracting up close and disrupt the overall color balance of the artwork. Larger areas of damage were also identified, resulting from past tears in the canvas and flaking paint.
Retouching involves the meticulous application of tiny amounts of reversible paint to visually conceal the damage and abrasion, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the artist's original work. Contrary to popular belief, retouching does not involve painting over the original artwork. Today's conservators take great care to only apply retouching paint to damaged or missing areas, using small brushes and a steady hand to ensure that the original, intact paint remains visible.
The meticulous nature of this process may be time-consuming, but it is essential in preserving the authenticity of the painting. Unlike in the past, when restoration was often carried out by artists or craftspeople with a focus on efficiency rather than precision, modern conservators adhere to a professional ethical framework and utilize advanced materials and techniques. Conservation as a recognized profession only emerged in the mid-20th century, leading to a more careful and deliberate approach to preserving artworks.
Historically, restorers would often apply overpainting that extended beyond the damaged areas, using mediums that would degrade over time and prove challenging to remove. This practice, known as 'overpaint,' could obscure the original work and alter its appearance. The evolution of the conservation field has brought about a greater appreciation for the importance of preserving the artist's intent and craftsmanship.
Today, paintings conservators employ a combination of traditional methods and cutting-edge technology to ensure that artworks are safeguarded for future generations to enjoy. The conservation work on A Royal Visit to the Fleet serves as a testament to the dedication and expertise required to preserve our cultural heritage.