Disciplines &
Techniques Utilized by the
Conservation Department
of The State Russian Museum
The
museum conservators have decades of experience in studying and investigating
the techniques and technology of painters of all periods. They examine the
structure and methods of applying primecoats, subsequent coats of paint and
the structure of brush strokes. The scientific
copying of a painting from an
original is one of the fundamental disciplines of a comprehensive study of
painting techniques by the Conservation Department. Before the
department begins work on a copy the conservators examine the original
painting under a microscope to determine the composition of paints and
pigments, sequence of brush-strokes, previous restorations, etc. They
analyze how the artist prepared the canvas prior to beginning work. They see
if the artist touched up the undercoats and they analyze how the artist
obtained the effects of illumination.
All
of the above scientific analysis (and, much more) helps highly talented
artists/restorers produce an absolutely identical copy of the original.
They even attempt (if appropriate) to convey the effect of a coat of
yellowing varnish or dirtying of the texture of the paint in imitation of
the original. The objective is to achieve such a likeness that not even a
professional can visually distinguish the copy from the original.
The copying
process begins when the original painting is removed from a museum
depository to the Conservation Laboratory where microscopes and special
analytical equipment are on hand. If the original hangs in an exhibition
hall the artist-conservator copies from the original in situ.
The
most complicated tasks are also the most interesting for the
artist/restorer when a new approach or an unusual resolution is required.
Such complexities often have the artist/restorer stumped: an intricate
composition with a large number of figures or a complicated color scheme (i.e.
what was the sequence in which the figures were painted or colors applied?);
unruly, unpredictable and expressionist application of brushstrokes; or
alternatively, how the delicate painterly treatment and layering of
brushstrokes were achieved. This dedication to perfection requires
extravagant amounts of time and patience. The results speak for themselves.
All copies are
made with the approval by
the State Russian Museum.
Click here for visit our special web site about
online copying of paintings...
