Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

Paper discusses a concept and conservation methodology of the XVIIIth century curvilinear canvas painting ‘Adoration of the Magi’ from the Saint–Aubain Cathedral church in Namur (Belgium). Atypical form of the painting bowed in the horizontal plane, adapted to the apse wall and its very large size (3.70 x 4.50 m) required using some innovative technologies and materials. The basic premise of the conservation process was a detailed analysis of the canvas shape and its preservation on each step of the conservation works. The concept required construction of two curved platforms: concave and convex. The new system of the canvas overturning was also designed. An innovative method of strengthening of the canvas during lining process in vertical direction by using Kevlar fibres was applied. Required strengthening and modification of the stretching frame is also discussed.

curvilinear, large-size, lining, stretching, Kevlar fibres

Paper discusses large size canvas paintings stretching methods and deformations and damages specific for large canvas resulting from an incorrect stretching. Analysis of the preservation state of a wooden stretcher construction and its functionality was an important step in development of the program of conservation work. The case study of M. H Loders painting „Adoration of the Magi” (XVIII c.) from the cathedral Saint - Aubain in Namur (Belgium) is presented. The painting is exhibited 5,5 m above the floor and has a unique shape, as the wooden stretcher frame is adjusted to the round apse walls. Thus usual direct inspection was difficult due to poor access to the reverse side of the painting. Preliminary conclusions on the construction and preservation state of the stretcher frame were drawn on the basis of a thorough inspection of the painting surface. Actual shape of the painting and precise stretchers dimensions were measured with a laser scanner. More information concerning the stretcher frame construction was obtained from a simple micro-camera system combined with LED lighting introduced from the canvas reverse side.

3D Laser Scanner, Deformation, Large - Size Painting, Wooden Stretcher Frame

Paper discusses a concept and conservation methodology of the XVIIIth century curvilinear canvas painting “Adoration of the Magi” from the Saint – Aubain Cathedral church in Namur (Belgium). Atypical form of the painting bowed in the horizontal plane, adapted to the apse wall and its very large size (3.70 x 4.50 m) required using some innovative technologies and materials. The basic premise of the conservation process was a detailed analysis of the canvas shape and its preservation on each step of the conservation works. The concept required construction of two curved platforms: concave and convex. The new system of the canvas overturning was also designed. An innovative method of strengthening of the canvas during lining process in vertical direction by using Kevlar fibres was applied. Required strengthening and modification of the stretching frame is also discussed.

curvilinear, large-size canvas painting, lining, stretching, Kevlar fibres