31/10/2021
THE PROJECT “STRUCTURAL TREATMENTS ON DOUBLE-SIDED PAINTINGS” – CONSERVING CANVAS (Getty Foundation)
The Conserving Canvas initiative is promoted by the Getty Foundation and is aimed at complex restoration works involving paintings on canvas, with particular reference to the structural treatment of textile supports. The aim is to promote the transfer of skills and knowledge at international level through exchanges and training programmes for young professionals in the field of restoration.
Among the organizations that have already joined the program are highly qualified research and restoration centers.
Within the framework of this initiative, the Centre presented a project focused on the structural treatment of canvases painted on two sides; the project provided for various professional training activities linked to the complex conservative recovery of one Banner painted front and back by Giulio Cesare Procaccini of the Pinacoteca di Brera.
During the Expert Meeting, national and international experts from the sector were involved, to bring together experiences and comparisons between professionals around the theme. In addition, the Center has organized two practical workshops for restorers who have been able to carry out intensive training in the Laboratory of paintings on canvas, working closely with our staff.
Duration
November 2020 to October 2022
Support for this programme is provided by the Getty Foundation through the Conserving Canvas initiative
THE VIDEO
The project through the words of the protagonists
Watch the video that tells the various phases of the project and collects interviews with the professionals involved and the participants of the workshop.
DIGITAL PUBLICATION
Structural treatments on double-sided paintings
The proceedings of the Case-studies and professional experiences on double-sided paintings (November 18, 2020) and the Expert Meeting (November 23, 24, 25, 2020) gather the experiences of professionals in the sector on double-sided paintings and banners, together with the contributions of experts invited to reflect on the structural restoration of Giulio Cesare Procaccini’s banner.
CASES STUDY AND EXPERT MEETING
In-depth analysis of the state of the art of double paintings
The first phase of the project included the collection of case studies comparable to the Procaccini banner that was the subject of our intervention, to investigate the state of the art on the conservation of double paintings. We turned to restorers and conservators / curators of museums who have faced restoration interventions or specific studies on banners on canvas and paintings on two sides and in particular on works that presented lacerations and tension problems.
We also involved experts in the field for a targeted comparison on the conservation problems of the Procaccini banner in restoration in the JRC laboratories.
The comparison between the Centre’s working group and the professionals involved at national and international level gave rise to the two events.Case-studies and professional experiences on double-sided paintings” (18 November 2020) and the”Expert Meeting” (23, 24, 25 November 2020) through which the results of the first phase of the project were made available to the scientific community and the public concerned. Due to the limitations imposed by the pandemic, the events have been digitally converted, allowing broad and global access to this valuable exchange and training opportunity.
THE WORKSHOP
Practical workshop for visiting conservators specialized in the restoration of paintings on canvas
As part of the Conserving Canvas initiative promoted by the Getty Foundation, the Centre organised a practical workshop for visiting conservators specialised in the restoration of canvas paintings.
The workshop took place in 2 editions, in June and October 2021, and gave the opportunity to 6 restorers (3 for each edition) to discuss complex issues related to the restoration of paintings on two sides.
CCR and accessibility
