Restoration Case Study

Conservation Treatment of an Icon-Style Oil Painting on Canvas

A274-2026 | Tony Ng Conservation Studio

Artist

Смотров Борис Петрович

Date

Заступник Земли Русской

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

100 x 90 cm

Location

Private collection

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I. Comparative Evidence

Overall State: Before Treatment

Overall State: After Treatment

Detail showing traces of previous restoration, with uneven surface appearance and localized instability.

Previous restoration residues were carefully reduced. The paint layer was re-consolidated where necessary, and losses were refilled and reintegrated to achieve improved structural stability and visual balance.

$Detail Before$

Detail showing areas of paint loss, with underlying paint layers partially exposed.

Losses were filled where necessary and carefully retouched to improve visual integration under normal viewing conditions

II. Condition Summary

The treatment was carried out in stages and proceeded as planned.

Surface cleaning was undertaken to reduce accumulated dirt and superficial deposits. Areas of previous restoration were examined and selectively reduced where considered unstable or visually disturbing.

Paint losses were filled where necessary, and the surface texture was carefully rebuilt to harmonize with the surrounding original impasto.

An isolating layer of Paraloid B-72 was applied prior to retouching. Chromatic reintegration was then carried out using conservation-grade materials, aiming for visual coherence under normal viewing conditions.

Finally, a protective layer of Laropal A81 was applied to provide surface protection and unify the overall appearance.

All materials used are stable and reversible according to current conservation standards.

III. Treatment Protocol

PHASE I

Surface Cleaning & Local Stabilization:
Surface cleaning was undertaken to reduce accumulated dirt and superficial deposits. A localized area showing traces of previous restoration was examined and selectively reduced where considered visually disturbing. Fragile paint layers were consolidated where necessary to ensure stability prior to further treatment.

PHASE II

Loss Compensation & Chromatic Reintegration:
Areas of paint loss were filled where required, and the surface texture was carefully rebuilt to harmonize with the surrounding original impasto. An isolating layer of Paraloid B-72 was applied prior to retouching. Chromatic reintegration was then carried out using conservation-grade materials, followed by a protective coating of Laropal A81 to unify the surface and provide protection.

IV. Technical Documentation

Fig. 01 Detail showing traces of a localized previous restoration.

Fig. 02 The same area after surface cleaning and reduction of the previous restoration material.

Fig. 03 UV examination revealing variations in surface response and earlier intervention.

Fig. 04 Area of paint loss filled with conservation-grade material prior to texture reconstruction.

Statement of Conservation Integrity

Authorized Disclosure: This case study is published under strict contractual agreement and with explicit consent. All proprietary details regarding ownership remain redacted to ensure collector privacy.

Scientific Objective: We aim to demystify art conservation through empirical evidence, proving that restoration is a balance of stabilization and historical preservation rather than aesthetic renewal.

Heritage Contribution: This record serves as a public teaching case, aiding in the creation of a technical knowledge base for the preservation of Malaysian Art Heritage.