Before treatment.

This painting of a saint on paper, on wood panel, is one of eight comprising the reredos of a church. It had been crudely “restored”, suffering abrasion, i.e., wearing away of paint, and brass paint covering the halo and arch that has tarnished to a shade of green. In addition, it was soiled.

Detail, before treatment.

This close-up shows the abrasion and mottled paint layer under the soil layer.

After treatment.

Though not a normal procedure, we were given permission by the owner to apply a thin glaze over the robe of the saint to visually unite this damaged portion. The halo was rebuilt with gesso, so that it and the arch could be gilded as it had been originally. Cleaning now allows details, and original colors to be seen.