The purpose of this study is to investigate the technology and techniques used in a 19th-century oil painting on canvas by Eleuterio Pagliano, focusing on its deterioration, causative factors and suitable treatment methods.
A combination of noninvasive and analytical methods was used, including ultraviolet and infrared (IR) imaging, cross-sectional microscopy and vertical photo microscope, alongside analyses using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and canvas specification analysis were conducted to characterize the materials and assess degradation.
The study highlights critical deterioration aspects, such as cracking, cleavage, flaking, lacunae and canvas brittleness, identifying canvas damage – due to acidity, oxidative processes, pollutants and mechanical stress – as a key contributor to weaknesses in paintings of this period. Analytical results reveal the use of multi-layer techniques, including colored ground layers (imprimatura), with cracking as the most prominent issue.
The findings of this study are specific to a single artwork by Eleuterio Pagliano and may not be fully generalizable to all 19th-century Italian paintings. Variations in materials, preparation layers and conservation history among other works of the same period could lead to different results when applying the conservation methods proposed here. Additionally, some historical restoration interventions on the painting could not be fully documented due to the lack of archival records, which may have influenced the current state of the materials analyzed.
This study provides a practical approach for mitigating deterioration of historical paintings exposed to relative humidity fluctuations. The treatment method, validated by previous experimental research, offers conservators a tested and reliable protocol for enhancing environmental resilience. Its application can guide preventive conservation strategies, optimize environmental control measures and extend the lifespan of paintings in heritage collections, particularly those displayed in uncontrolled or fluctuating climates.
By improving the preservation of historical paintings, this study supports the safeguarding of cultural heritage for future generations, reinforcing community identity and pride. Enhanced conservation outcomes contribute to cultural tourism, education and intercultural dialogue, fostering broader public engagement with heritage. Protecting these artworks not only preserves artistic and historical knowledge but also strengthens social cohesion by maintaining shared cultural symbols that connect past and present communities.
The research proposes a novel crack treatment method based on recovery, followed by lining to prevent recurrence, offering a comprehensive conservation strategy.
