 Damp
and humidity is another element that can damage paintings. Traditionally,
a canvas is prepared by applying a size - rabbit skin glue, in dry,
crystal form, is soaked in water, warmed up, disolved, and applied
to the raw linen, protecting the canvas from the oil paint. Otherwise,
the acidity of the oils would eventually attack and rot the material,
making the canvas fragile and brittle. However, since the back of
a canvas is not covered in oil, rabbit skin glue can absorb humidity
and damp from the air, and over a period of time, this can cause the
oil paint to loosen from the surface. A good conservationist can protect
the back of the canvas from humidity, and stablize it's surface.
On top of the rabbit skin glue, a foundation layer of paint, caller
a primer, was applied. This was usually lead white, as that pigment
has strength, durablity, and other desirable paint qualities. However,
if a painting has not been prepared with a solid foundation layer,
the subsequent layers of paint may not have sufficient adhesion,
and can peel away from the canvas.
One solution to damage cause by humidity, or by an improper preparation
of a canvas, is re-lining. The paint layer is carefully removed
from its supporting canvas, and glued to another, fresh linen. Re-lining
is a precision task, and done only when damage has already been
done and cannot be reversed or stablized. The proper care and conservation
of paintings can prevent such an eventuality.
If you have any questions on restoring and conserving paintings,
please contact us.
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