ANSELM KIEFER

Treatment completed February 2024

Photographer ········· Anselm Kiefer
Title ········· die Sefiroth
Year ······ 1997
Medium ········· Silver gelatin print with applied media
Dimensions (H x W): 51 1/2” x 71 7/8”
Owner ······· Private Owner

Condition Assessment

As received this silver gelatin photograph with applied media is in generally fair condition. The photograph is the base element and appears to be in good condition, without the presence of silver mirroring or obvious fading. Under ultraviolet radiation, optical brighteners are noted. The photograph appears to be mounted overall onto a secondary paper support and framed in a painted wooden artist’s frame. White paint was unevenly applied and the frame is significantly worn with minor edge chips and losses. The nails used to secure the frame has pierced areas along the edges of the print causing minor tears and losses. Staple holes are present along the top, left, and right edges of the print, approximately 3 to 4 inches apart, with associated emulsion losses and lifting. The work’s title is written across the upper center of the print in a black medium.

The most prevalent condition issues are the scattered creases with associated emulsion losses, and cracks, that expose underlying paper fibers. The most significant and visually disruptive crease runs horizontally across the center of the print with notable losses, cracking emulsion, and lifting paper fibers. Other creases are noted at the top left corner, top right corner, and bottom right corner.

Additionally, there are brown-orange stains throughout the image, but most noticeable in the bottom
center. The sand applied to the surface of the print is somewhat unstable and some has come loose as is evident by accumulations along the bottom edge of the frame. There is an original staple near the center bottom edge embedded in the print. The print is overall moderately cockled.

The verso surface of this mounted work was not examined.

Treatment Report

Before and after treatment, selected aspects of the project were documented digitally. These images will remain on file at The Better Image® as part of the permanent treatment record.
Areas of lifting emulsion along creases, breaks or edges were consolidated into place using 2% photographic grade gelatin and areas of lifting paper fibers were consolidated using wheat starch paste.
Indentations and hard creases were humidified locally, relaxed and manipulated out manually to the extent safely possible.
Tears were realigned and mended with wheat starch paste in situ as possible.
Areas of emulsion losses were toned using Winsor & Newton® watercolors over an isolating layer of 2% gelatin. Other media such as finely grated cellulose powder for large areas of loss compensation and 4% methylcellulose for gloss compensation were applied as necessary.
The many original printing faults in the photographic image and various areas of artist (?) applied adhesives were left untreated as they are original to the work of art.
Completed work was prepared for an art handler to be determined to wrap and pack for transit to the client or other designated location via using the materials in which it was received.