'Maria Lactans' : history, technique and conservation of a gilded canvas

Abstract

The 'Maria Lactans', a gilded canvas exhibited at the Wignacourt Collegiate Museum, Rabat was chosen mainly because of its extensive gilding. The aim is to enrich the otherwise little studied subject of the practice of gilding on canvas. The study is based on investigations done on the painting which link a historical, technical and conservation point of view, potentially placing the case study in the context of the history, significance and techniques employed for gold on canvas in Europe. This is based on a thorough literature review of the sources available and on the extensive documentation of the painting. Photographic documentation and various non-invasive investigations were carried out using binocular microscopy, visible light, UV-light observations and IR reflectography. Samples were taken in order to observe and identify the manufacturing technique mainly in the light of the gilding technique. In order to attempt to place the painting in a particular time bracket, the identification of pigments was done through elemental SEM-EDS analysis and through µRaman spectroscopy. Fibre identification was performed for a possible indication of provenance. The painting was also investigated through the study of the iconography of 'Maria Lactans', its stylistic features and the materials and techniques used to cast more light on its provenance, historical and artistic contexts. The state of conservation of the painting is studied with particular emphasis on the problems resulting from the use of gold on canvas, and the effect of the previous relining treatment. On the basis of the documentation and analysis of the painting, the state of conservation was assessed and a treatment proposal was devised relating to the damages caused by past restoration treatments, materials and the surrounding environment. Together with the literature review, possible solutions for a better preservation of the painting are suggested. The outcome of this study reflects the importance of gilding on canvas m both historical and conservation contexts.