Cleaning of Easel Paintings

Abstract

Cleaning of easel paintings is traditionally carried out using organic solvents or aqueous solutions. One of the main limitations is due to the lack of control in the cleaning action when non-confined solvents and solutions are used. Undesired effects include swelling or solubilization of original artistic materials, uncontrolled or excessive removal of layers and patinas, and re-transport of solubilized matter through the porous matrix of the artifact. These issues can be effectively addressed by confinement of the cleaning fluids in gel networks. As a matter of fact, conservators have adopted several gel and 'gel-like' formulations (e.g. viscous dispersions of thickening agents), aiming at the non-invasive and gradual cleaning of works of art. This chapter reports on the main traditional systems and on the innovative gels and dispersions developed in the last decade in the framework of colloid and surface science for the preservation of cultural heritage. In particular, both highly retentive chemical gels and "peelable" viscoelastic dispersions are discussed, illustrating applicative procedures.

Twin-chain polymer hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) as new advanced tool for the cleaning of modern and contemporary art

“…49), which proved too risky to water-sensitive dyes (19). These features, combined with the ability to adapt to rough surfaces, indicate PVA gels as good candidates for the cleaning of sensitive painted layers, based on the background we acquired on the application of gels to the cleaning of artifacts (19,20,50). The gels were practically assessed on soiled glass slides (SI Appendix, Fig.…”

New horizons on advanced nanoscale materials for Cultural Heritage conservation

“…1–4 Nanomaterials have enhanced physico-chemical properties related to their high surface areas, and their applicability in multiple fields is boosted by the possibility of surface functionalization and combination with bulk materials in hybrid systems. 5–10 Over the past decades, these advantageous characteristics have driven the progressive employment of nanoscale systems even in Cultural Heritage (CH) preservation, 11–21 a strong interdisciplinary field where materials science merges with industry, social science and humanities. 22,23 Movable and immovable works of art, along with natural and urban landscapes, are crucial socioeconomic resources, provided that they are preserved against damage caused by environmental and anthropic factors.…”

Advanced methodologies for the cleaning of works of art

“…These positive results culminated in the publication of applicative guidelines and in the formulation of commercial products based on the pHEMA/PVP systems [114]. In addition, the pHEMA/PVP gels were loaded with o/w microemulsions to produce one of the most advanced cleaning tools, able to target the selective detachment or dewetting of unwanted surface layers, leaving unaltered the original artistic surface underneath.…”

“…For the main references to the use of these solvents in cleaning formulations see refs. [34,46,47,54,57,62,78,79,114,144]. traditional solvent blends, taking advantage of non-classical cleaning mechanisms that work on dewetting or swelling/ detachment processes.…”