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Copper Conundrum – Part II

Last summer’s Mulberry Tree told the story of the College’s 300-year-old, copper painting that is in dire need of conservation. Since then, we have received a detailed condition assessment from Carlos Moya at the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation. Unfortunately, the conservation treatment this 17th-century painting requires is too complicated for Winterthur’s program. Among many fascinating details, Moya relates that complex conservation issues exist including prior restoration efforts, corrosion, and paint losses as well as over-painting. Sarah Fisher and Michael Swicklik at the National Gallery of Art suggested the College seek a conservation angel and also apply for an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant to help defray the expense of such an extensive conservation project. So, armed with insights into the condition and history of this remarkable artwork, we continue to seek ways and means to prevent its further deterioration.

If you have particular knowledge or professional contacts in the conservation arena, please contact Mary Braun at our Boyden Gallery, mebraun@smcm.edu, or 240 895-2151.