The Structural Conservation of Panel Paintings

that its strength was reduced before application. Both sides of the first layer

and the underside of the second layer were scored to form a good key.

The panel was cut out of the strainer and placed facedown on

Melinex and blotting paper. Webbing was then placed up to and around

the edges of the original panel. A wooden frame was built up to the com-

bined thickness of the panel plus the first layer of balsa wood. The pur-

pose of this frame was to reduce the vacuum pressure on the edges so that

there were no distortions in the even downward pressure on the balsa-

wood layer. The heated wax-resin and wood flour cement were applied,

and the first layer of prepared balsa wood put on. The second layer was

S C  P P   N G, L 415

Figure 12
Cosmè Tura, The Virgin, reverse. Balsa-wood
buildup on the multipurpose low-pressure
conservation table.

Figure 13
Cosmè Tura, The Virgin, after panel treatment
and restoration.