Oil Painting Restoration
The examples below represent just a small sample of the many challenging oil painting restoration projects that Oliver Brothers undertakes on a regular basis.
The painting was cleaned of the heavy layer of yellow varnish as well as dirt and grime. The tear above the sitter’s left shoulder was repaired and the painting was lined onto a new linen support. A Mylar interleaving was used to help keep the repaired tear flat.
Anonymous 19th century portrait, Private collection Newton, MA.
Both the painting and the frame were brought back to life. The old glue lining was removed and a new lining applied. The yellowed varnish and layers of dirt and grime were removed.
The Elder Koekkoek was the patriarch of a Dutch family of painters, several of whom painted in a similar manner. The owner knew that this painting was by Koekkoek but did not know which Koekkoek. Using stylistic comparisons, Oliver Brothers experts were able to determine that this was the work of Hermanus Koekkoek the Elder – the most highly regarded member of the family. The painting was cleaned of the yellowed varnish, and then revarnished with a non-yellowing acrylic varnish. Aside from some minor abrasions at the edges, the painting is in excellent condition. When it came to us, the painting was framed with an inappropriate French Impressionist style frame. This frame was replaced with a high quality, antique reproduction Dutch style frame.
Oil Painting Restoration Testimonial
- “The painting is back on the wall & looks terrific!”
- Great Neck, New York
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