Pinturas de dupla face

: desafios e estratégias de conservação

Abstract

This internship report, carried out within the scope of the master's degree in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, at the School of Arts of the Catholic University of Portugal, presents the study and intervention of conservation and restoration of a double-sided painting on canvas, in the typology of a processional banner, with the front side of the canvas representing the biblical passage the Kiss of Judas and, on its back, the Three Crosses of Calvary. The work belongs to the Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro, in Felgueiras. The painting was held between a double fixed wooden structure, which served as its frame and stretcher simultaneously, allowing for the visualization of both sides of the canvas. However, this system did not ensure adequate tension and, consequently, its flattening, significantly compromising the integrity and conservation of the work. The constant fluctuations in relative humidity and temperature contributed to the fragility of the support, especially at the attachment points, denoting a loss of flexibility and oxidation of the textile support. As a result, the margins of the canvas were without mechanical resistance and were partially detached from the several nails that held it together. Both sides of the painting had numerous whitenings along their entire length that made it difficult to read the work. To contribute to the knowledge of the materiality and technique of the work, the study was carried out through a set of examination and analysis methods. Considering the stylistic differences on the two sides, there was the intention to understand the pictorial technique and the materials used, in particular, the characterization of the binder, given the differences in texture and brightness, which characterize the pictorial surface of the main side. With both sides painted, it was required to devise conservation strategies adapted to the needs of the work, with particular reference to the cleaning process, repairing of tears in the textile support and the stretching of the artwork. The need to keep the elements of the original frame made it possible to develop an adjustable tension system adapted to the structure and the placement of double strips-linings. The objective of this intervention was to restore its physicochemical stability, prolonging its longevity and restoring the clear reading of the work.

Date of Award	3 May 2023
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Maria Aguiar (Supervisor) & Nuno Camarneiro (Co-Supervisor)