Műtárgyvédelem 24., 1995 (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum)
Restaurálás - Nemcsics Imre: Valenciai festő Férfiképmás macskával c. 1569-ben készült táblaképének restaurálása
Microscopic studies (Erika Vadnai) showed several layers of repainting, which, however, were very difficult to distingush from the original paint. Restoration process: Following the fastening of the board, the crossbars were removed and cleaned together with the painting’s back side. After this procedure, all parts were saturated with Paraloid B72 toluol solution in order to strengthen the wood’s structure and prevent further warping of the board. Once properly dried, the crossbars were put back in their original position. During the cleaning of the painted surface, the original colors and details were revealed. However, the surface was worn and damaged, predominantly by mechanical forces. Cleaning was a very complex task. Recovering the background has proven most difficult: nine layers of alien paint had to be removed using both chemicals and mechanical methods. After the cleaning, the surface of the panel-painting was also conserved using Paraloid B72. Disturbing discontinuities in the surface were subsequently filled in. Erosion and damages that disturbed the harmony of aesthetic effect were retouched using a resin oil paint. As a result of restoration work the original artistic qualities of this panel-painting could be revealed. Moreover, the picture’s more accurate identification also became possible. Since the picture had no decorative frame, a new frame was made modelled after an analoguos one. Its surface was covered with a moderate artificial patina, and the inside was shaped in a way that guarantees that the board would not be damaged. Appropriately shaped padding holds the board’s arched parts in place. “Bumpers” attached to the frame’s back side near the comers guarantee the picture’s stable position on the wall during exhibition. The thus restored panel-painting in its new decorative frame is displayed in the permanent exhibition of the Old Masters’ Gallery in the Museum of Fine Arts. Szerző cime/Author’s address: Nemcsics Imre festő-restaurátor müvész/painting restorer 1201 Budapest, Hargita u. 4. 54
