Left: Winslow Homer, Artists Sketching in the White Mountains, 1868. On loan from the Portland Museum of Art.
Right: Detail of frame before Treatment
When looking at a painting on display, it only takes a few exposed white gesso spots or small losses on the frame to detract from the experience. This is where Harvard Art’s on-site work truly makes a difference. “You can unify the viewing experience by eliminating distracting areas—without having to transport the painting or frame to a conservation studio, or remove the painting from the frame,” said Susan Jackson. “Given a little attention, you can produce a big effect.”
Recently, Harvard Art offered their expertise for triage treatment of frames for the Currier Museum of Art’s special exhibition Mount Washington: The Crown of New England in Manchester, NH.
At the Currier Museum of Art, Susan Jackson spent one day on-site to touch-up approximately 10 frames for an upcoming exhibition, featuring major paintings by artists such as Albert Bierstadt, Winslow Homer, and George Inness. The frames needed minor stabilization, light cleaning, and inpainting of exposed gesso and other distracting elements. While on-site, she also treated Monet’s The Siene at Bougival, which required structural work and some related fills before it went on loan. Frame conservation was completed while the art was on the wall, minimizing the treatment time and cost, and delivering instant results.
Detail of frame for Claude Monet’s The Siene at Bougival.
Before Treatment.
Detail of frame for Claude Monet’s The Siene at Bougival.
During Treatment.
Detail of frame for Claude Monet’s The Siene at Bougival.
After Treatment.