23/10/2026
In the past, paintings on canvas were often reinforced by attaching a second canvas to the back using adhesive. This process, known as lining, helps support and protect the original canvas. Over time, however, the added canvas and adhesive can deteriorate. In this case, our conservators carefully removed the second canvas, as shown in the first image. A thick layer of old adhesive remained on the back of the painting, and had to be removed gradually using a combination of mechanical techniques and water-based cleaning methods. This is a lengthy and delicate process that requires great care and precision to remove the adhesive while protecting the original canvas from damage.
Fil-passat, interventi ta’ restawr fuq pitturi fuq it-tila spiss kienu jinvolvu t-twaħħil ta’ tila oħra fuq in-naħa ta’ wara permezz ta’ kolla. Dan il-proċess, magħruf bħala lining, jgħin biex isostni u jippreserva t-tila oriġinali. Madankollu, maż-żmien, kemm it-tila miżjuda kif ukoll il-kolla jistgħu jiddeterjoraw. F’dan il-każ, il-konservaturi tagħna neħħew it-tieni tila permezz ta’ metodi mekkaniċi, kif jidher fl-ewwel ritratt. Fuq in-naħa ta’ wara tal-pittura kien għad fadal saff oħxon ta’ kolla. Din tneħħiet gradwalment permezz ta’ metodi bix-xafra u tindif bl-ilma.
