18th century French painter(s): Portrait
of a Lady,
Oil on canvas, 67.5 x 58 cm.
This painting appeared 'strange'
from the moment it arrived in our laboratory. Test cleaning quickly demonstrated
why. The portrait was painted on top of another while retaining some
elements of the underlying image. Infrared photography helped in
deciphering what the original image may have been but eventually
several x-rays had to made to evaluate to condition of the underlying
painting.
At the request of the owner, we
proceeded with he removal of the top portrait being encouraged by the
results of the x-rays that indicated the presence of a fairly intact
image underneath the top portrait. The two faces were clearly painted
by different artists and both remain unidentified.
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The bright strips show areas
where varnish has been removed |
The painting during removal
of overpainting. Elements of both faces are clearly visible.
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The final result. It is interesting
to note that the royal crown was obliterated by the
overpainting. |
Detail of the face. |
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