Problems of conservation of artworks on large format paper supports

Abstract

The paper deals with specific problems of large format works of art on paper, which represent a great challenge for a conservator. The issue is discussed on general as well as on the example of two case studies. The conservation of large format map of Náměšť nad Oslavou domain on paper applied on canvas support from 1756 is the first one and the conservation of a collection of large format drawings on wrapping paper by Milada Schmidtová from the 2nd half of the 20th century is the other. Both works of art divided by more than 200 years despite different specifications laid the same task before conservators – overall conservation including stabilisation and levelling of paper support, removing of dysfunctional backing, cleaning of paint layer, filling the loses and retouching. The major part of the paper is devoted to the final part of conservation treatment - adjusting the work of art to a new support.