Boudril (unknown artist)
Oil on canvas 40cm x 50cm

In the next slide sequence I wish to again look at the result of transparent lining but in addition an aspect of repair. This is following the extensive damage of the canvas as can be seen in the first slide.

On the reverse we can see the impact damage and signature of the unknown artist.

On the reverse you can see the canvas is flat again following lining. At the same time you can see the structure line of previously damaged areas.

The finished restored painting.

In this slide we see fray paint filling in the damaged area. When the canvas is torn the weave suffers impact shrinkage. The restorer is obliged to fill a small area between the surrounding original painting. This is a good opportunity for me to explain the attitude of work in restoration. There is an expression that is popular between restorers- 'The margin of error' In this we are saying while we know we are introducing new paint we use a technique to minimise that process. The intention is to make it essay for the view to look from one original passage to the next. There is a rather unattractive expression for this- calling it 'in painting'. It is more accurate than 'retouching'.