Conserving a Giant: Resurrecting Pietro da Cortona's Triumph of David

This is an proposed two-year treatment project for a 12' X 19' canvas owned by the Falvey Memorial Library at Villanova University. The painting was attributed to Pietro da Cortona (Italian Baroque artist and architect well-known for his elaborate ceiling frescoes) at the time of the donation c. 1950 and has a well-documented provenance. 

This project and treatment is supervised by Lead Conservator, Kristin deGhetaldi (pictured above looking at the painting) in collaboration with the Villanova Chemistry Department and the Villanova Art History Faculty. 

For more information on the on-going project visit the project blog: 

http://projects.library.villanova.edu

/paintingrestoration

 

Examination and Treatment September 2013- December 2013. 

I worked as one of two conservation interns during the first phase of this project. Fellow intern, Maggie Bearden, and I co-authored an examination report as well as didactic panels for public display at the worksite. 

Treatment focused on developing an appropriate cleaning system for removal of discolored and degraded varnish, extensive overpaint, and embedded dirt and grime. Cleaning was completed on the lower half of the canvas while scaffolding was ordered. Additional treatment included dry cleaning the verso, stabilization of flaking paint, and local humidification of acutely tented areas. 

Working with a Giant

With such a large surface area we found the Metigo MAP 3.0 software, provided by the University of Delaware, to be useful to document the overall condition and quantify the damage at the same time using a rectified image. The various condition issues are set as layers within the program and can be viewed simultaneously or individually. 

Collaboration was also key while working on such a large-scale project. As an intern, I was able to assist members of the chemistry department with collecting material for analysis. All members of the project contributed to the Library blog and we interacted with daily visitors from the public or University classes. 

Documentation

Treatment

Analysis

Outreach

This was a very rewarding and exciting experience to learn from a great group of people!

Using Format