‘Un Sous Bois Avec Des Vaches’ by Constant Troyon (1810 – 1865) was one of these artworks. Extensive treatment of both painting and frame were carried out to stabilise the structure, prepare the picture for display, and ensure it looked its best.

Raised paint cracks and the fragile, fraying canvas were supported with a full lining, carried out on our Willard vacuum lining table, after precise repair and infilling of the damaged textile. The lined canvas was re-stretched to its original blind stretcher after it had been cleaned and repaired. Heavy dirt and very discoloured non-original varnish layers were removed from a complex laminate of layers of original and non-original paint, resinous glazes and reworking.

Extensive damage and loss to frame elements were repaired, adapted and stabilised, to safely accommodate the conserved painting. Heavy, discoloured and inappropriate old fills and repairs to the frame were removed, and widespread losses to the decorative moulding were then recast and reintegrated.

The level of intervention and final finish to both painting and frame were carefully considered so that the whole ensemble looked vibrant, balanced and harmonious.