AIC's 47th Annual Meeting

Saint John Preaching in the Wilderness is part of a recently discovered art collection at Gannon University, in Erie, PA. Having been stored for many years, in 2016, the painting was brought to the Patricia H. and Richard E. Garman Art Conservation Department at SUNY Buffalo State for conservation treatment. The painting is executed on oak panel and is attributed to Paul Brill. Scientific analysis was undertaken to better characterize the painting’s materials. This included two X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) techniques: Spot XRF and Scanning XRF, Raman Spectroscopy, as well as cross-sectional analysis. The use of period-appropriate pigments such as Lead-Tin Yellow Type 1 and smalt was confirmed. Analysis was also performed on the wooden support, and revealed the wood to be Red Oak. With the wood type confirmed, the structural concerns of the panel painting could be better addressed. The painting exhibited differential convexities in each of the two planks that formed the panel, as well as significant areas of wood-worm tunneling. Additionally, the attached cradle system was seized, contributing to the poor condition of the panel’s structure. A combination of both modern and traditional methods were used to treat the panel, including full removal of the cradle and the addition of a new custom-built flexible auxiliary support secured to the reverse. The treatment allows the panel to once again serve its purpose in supporting the painting while at the same time permitting the wooden panel controlled flexibility to adjust to environmental conditions.