A large-format painting was treated for a Parisian auction house with the objective to restore legibility, chromatic depth, and structural stability prior to public presentation.

The surface of the piece had become heavily obscured by thick layers of oxidized varnishes and accumulated dirt deposits. Previous restoration campaigns had introduced extensive overpaint, especially in the upper sky area. These additions, often covering losses and abrasions in the original paint layer, had further altered the aesthetic balance of the work.

The canvas required consolidation and localized structural reinforcement, particularly along the perimeter. The original wooden stretcher, severely deteriorated, was replaced with a new structurally appropriate support to find proper tension and stability.Examination under ultraviolet and infrared light helped identify prior interventions, areas of instability, and the nature of surface coatings. Cleaning tests using mixtures of varying polarity and concentration allowed the establishment of a precise and controlled protocol.

The treatment significantly improving the painting’s historical and aesthetic readability prior to auction.