WATER NYMPHS

The Better Image Project
Treatment completed April 2024

Description

While Peter Mustardo, Director, completed the initial condition assessment, I completed the treatment on the right panel, while Nancy Reinhold, Conservator, and I completed the treatment on the left panel together. 

Condition Assessment

Overall: As examined on-site at the offices of Crozier Fine Art in Manhattan on October 26th, 2023, this contemporary color diptych photograph was in generally very good condition. However, an unfortunate water incident has caused some damage to the frame, glazing and photographic prints. Once the photograph was removed from its frame and glazing by staff at Crozier and Hand Made Frames, a closer examination of the prints themselves was possible. Chemically, this chromogenic work appeared to be in good condition with no noticeable loss of color saturation or color imbalance. Physically, however, there were minor disturbances as noted below. 

Also noted are minor pressure marks scattered around the perimeter of the print surface. These are likely due to pressure from the frame rabbets and will be hidden by same in when reframed. No treatment of these is required or proposed (Image 9). The entire print surface otherwise appeared to be free of any physical damages. The wooden support on which the mounted prints rest while framed showed signed of the water event as indicated in the photographs #54-57 and #59. No signs of mold were apparent. No examination was made of the verso surfaces of the mounted prints or panels.


Left-hand Panel: In the lower left corner of the left-hand panel of the diptych there were remnants of metallic framing tape with paper fibers and residual adhesives adhered to the print surface. Along the bottom edge of the same left-hand panel there was a wavy tideline approximately thirty inches (76.2cm) long.  


Right-hand Panel: The extreme lower right corner of the right-hand panel has a small loss and an indentation at the extreme point of the corner.

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.

Left-hand Panel

1. Removed metallic foil tape carrier mechanically and reduced adhesive residues using mixtures of distilled water and ethanol on cotton swabs. A slight surface alteration was noted below the adhesive following removal.
2. Reduced paper residues at bottom left corner using controlled moisture.
3. Toned minor image losses using Schmincke Horadam Aquarell® watercolors over a barrier layer of 5% Aquazol 500 in ethanol.
4. Reduced appearance of the tideline along bottom left edge using controlled, local applications of distilled water, on brushes or rolled cotton micro-swabs.

Right-hand Panel

1. Consolidated areas of lifting emulsion and exposed paper fibers at the extreme bottom right corner using dilute 2% gelatin and 4% methylcellulose.
2. Reduced adhesive residues at bottom right corner using 50:50 water and ethanol applied on cotton micro-swabs.
3. Toned areas of minor losses at bottom right corner using Schmincke Horadam Aquarell® watercolors over an isolating layer of 2% gelatin.

Completed work was prepared for an art handler to be determined using the materials in which it was received.