The Structural Conservation of Panel Paintings

(Amelia) #1
The van der Doort inventory also gives a list offifteen paintings
recently repaired.^9 Van der Doort never spoke English well, and his notes
seem to be phonetic renditions of his Flemish accent; among the problems
treated were extensive flaking, blistering, splitting of the support
(Holbein’s portrait of Thomas More was described as “dikat” [decayed]),
flaking due to “woreting” (presumably woodworm damage), warping, and
cracking from being placed in a warm room.^10 Here the panel, a Sacra
Conversazioneby Giacomo Palma Vecchio, was affixed to another oak
board, in which state it remains today (Figs. 12, 13).^11 Van der Doort also
mentions restoration and said that works thought to be beyond repair had
been restored.^12 In another note attached to a list of “34 pictures which are
remaining in Nonsuch House this of March 1639,” van der Doort noted
that Mr. Sorffijor broke a little piece offa “jong br ugel.” Mr. Sorffijer
promised to restore it.

244 McClure


Figure 10
Daniel Mytens (attrib.), Sir Philip Sidney and
His Sister,ca. 1620. Oil on panel, 46 3 66 cm.
The condition before treatment is shown.
Private collection.


Figure 11
Daniel Mytens (attrib.), Sir Philip Sidney and
His Sister,rev erse.

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