Condition of the painting before treatment:

• The brittle origional canvas was tearing off the strainer along the tacking and there were also many tears and punctures
• The paint layer was extensively cupping and had very poor adhesion throughout.
• A dull, darkened and degraded varnish was disfiguring the painting.
• Paint loss had occurred mainly long tears, but there were also many small pinpoint losses throughout

Treatment carried out:

• Consolidation of the flaking paint.
• Local repair of tears and punctures with a fibre/adhesive mixture and including canvas inserts where necessary.
• Varnish removal
• Lining of the repaired, but still very brittle original canvas.
• Filling of paint loss and retouching.
• Application of new varnish.