Elena Rossi
The relining of paintings is a process of conservation science and art restoration used to strengthen, flatten, or consolidate oil or tempera paintings on canvas by attaching a new support to the back of the existing one. The process involves removing the painting from its frame and laying it picture-side up, covered by a sheet of paper coated in paste. The artwork is then flipped over and secured to a work surface, after which the current canvas is trimmed down or removed entirely so that a new, larger one may be applied. The decision to reline a piece of art is typically made when agents of deterioration, such as physical forces, impacts, shocks, and abrasions, have caused excessive damage over time. While relining can help stabilize and restore a painting, modern attitudes towards conservation prioritize preserving the original state of the canvas and applied paint film, leading to a decline in the use of relining as a treatment option. As such, the impact of relining on the value of a painting can vary, and conservators are ethically unable to advise on whether a painting is worth conserving, as there are many values beyond monetary considerations.
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What You'll Learn
The necessity of relining
Reline is a process of conservation science and art restoration used to strengthen, flatten, or consolidate oil or tempera paintings on canvas. It involves attaching a new support to the back of the existing canvas to mitigate or revert wear caused by agents of deterioration. The decision to reline is typically made when any number of these agents of deterioration, such as physical forces, impacts, shocks, or abrasions, have caused excessive damage over time.
One argument in favour of relining is that it provides stability to large-scale works of art. For instance, a large-scale oil on canvas may be unstable due to failed previous restoration campaigns, thick discoloured varnish, or heavy overpaint. In such cases, relining can offer a more secure structure for the artwork.
Additionally, relining can address insecurities in the structure of the ground and paint layers. If detachment issues are severe, a full impregnation and consolidation of the painting with an appropriate adhesive during the relining process can reattach the ground and paint layers to the primary support, providing stronger overall support.
However, critics of relining argue that it can cause more harm than good. Adhesive agents or lining materials may interact negatively with the original work, leading to further damage. The delining process, which involves removing the adhesive layers, can be labour-intensive and risky, potentially causing warping or undulations in the painting.
In conclusion, while relining can be necessary for preserving certain artworks, it is a controversial practice due to the potential risks involved. As such, art conservators must carefully evaluate the condition of a painting and consider alternative, less invasive treatments before opting for relining.
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The process of relining
The first step of the relining process is to remove the artwork from its frame. The painting is then laid picture-side up and covered with a sheet of paper coated in paste, typically made from beeswax or glue. The artwork is then flipped over and secured to a work surface with pins or nails. The current canvas is then trimmed down or removed completely, depending on the level of deterioration and the scope of the relining process.
A new, larger canvas is then applied, using adhesive materials to attach it to the existing painting. The most common methods include paste relining (using glue paste), wax-resin lining, and relining with synthetic materials. The wax-resin lining technique, which involves spreading a mixture of wax and resin on the back of the painting and adhering it with an iron or hot table, was particularly popular in the Nordic countries due to the region's rigid and humid climate. However, this technique has largely been abandoned due to its potential negative impact on the chromatic aspect of the work and the difficulty of completely reversing the process.
After relining, the painting may undergo a mounting operation, where it is placed in a new frame that is more suitable for the artwork's needs. Conservators may also fill in areas of loss with fill material and carefully inpaint details that have been lost. A final coat of varnish is then applied to protect the painting.
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The history of relining
Relining is a process of conservation science and art restoration used to strengthen, flatten or consolidate oil or tempera paintings on canvas. This process is sometimes referred to as "lining" or "relining". The process typically involves attaching a new support to the back of the existing canvas. In cases of extreme decay, the original canvas may be completely removed and replaced. The height of its use was in the late 19th century, as described by Theodore Henry Fielding in his 1847 book "Knowledge and Restoration of Old Paintings".
The first step in relining a painting is to strip the original canvas from the back of the artwork. The conservator must then determine whether the canvas needs reinforcement or if it must be removed entirely. The artwork is removed from its frame and laid picture-side up, with the image covered by a sheet of paper coated in paste, generally beeswax or glue. The artwork is then flipped over and secured to the work surface with pins or nails. The current canvas is then trimmed down or removed entirely so that a new, larger one may be applied.
After relining, the painting is mounted onto a new stretcher and any areas of loss are recreated with fill material and carefully inpainted. A final varnish is applied to protect the painting. The new auxiliary support and canvas provide stability for large-scale works of art.
In recent years, the necessity of relining has been debated, with conservation specialists favouring the preservation of works of art and their original materials when possible. Overarching shifts in conservation philosophy towards minimal intervention have contributed to the decline in lining paintings. Today, lining is considered an unfavourable treatment, only to be used when absolutely necessary.
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The ethics of relining
Relining is a process of conservation science and art restoration used to strengthen, flatten or consolidate oil or tempera paintings on canvas by attaching a new support to the back of the existing one. The process is sometimes referred to as "relining" and was most commonly performed in the 19th century.
In recent years, the value of relining has been questioned and its disadvantages documented. A major change of opinion has occurred, reinforced by modern attitudes to conservation which place greater emphasis on preserving the original state of the canvas and applied paint film. This shift towards minimal intervention has contributed to the decline in relining paintings, with alternative, less invasive treatments now being pursued.
However, there are cases where relining may be necessary to preserve a painting. For example, if a painting has been subjected to physical forces such as impacts, shocks, or abrasions that have caused cracks, tears, or separation of the paint from the canvas. In such cases, the decision to reline a painting may be made to mitigate or revert wear caused by agents of deterioration by strengthening or spreading the tensile load of the artwork's canvas.
Ultimately, the decision to reline a painting involves weighing the benefits of preserving the artwork against the potential negative side effects of intervention. This decision should be informed by the accuracy and relevance of engineering models derived from recent scientific research, as well as the specific circumstances and condition of the artwork in question.
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The cost of relining
Relining a painting involves attaching a new canvas to the back of the original one to strengthen and flatten it. This process is typically carried out when the original canvas is too fragile or damaged and is considered an invasive procedure.
Another factor that can influence the cost is the expertise and reputation of the conservator or restoration studio. Well-known and respected conservators with extensive experience in painting restoration may charge higher fees for their services.
In some cases, the cost of relining may be mitigated by opting for alternative, less invasive treatments. These can include flattening, consolidation, strip lining, tear repair, and loose lining. However, it is important to note that these alternative treatments may not be suitable for all paintings, and a conservator's expertise is crucial in determining the best course of action.
While the exact cost of relining a painting can vary, it is generally considered a specialised and skilled process that requires professional expertise. As such, it is reasonable to expect that the cost of relining will be proportional to the value of the painting and the complexity of the conservation work required.
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Frequently asked questions
The impact of relining on a painting's value is complex and depends on various factors. While relining can enhance the visual appearance of a painting, modern conservation philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention to preserve the original state of the artwork. The decision to reline should consider the artwork's condition, the potential risks of treatment, and the availability of alternative treatments. Conservators are ethically unable to provide guidance on the monetary value of a painting and whether it is "worth" conserving. The decision to conserve should be based on the significance and sentimental value of the artwork to the owner.
The decision to reline a painting is influenced by the extent of deterioration and the condition of the canvas. If the canvas is severely damaged and requires reinforcement or replacement, relining may be necessary to strengthen and stabilize the artwork. However, if the deterioration is minimal, less invasive treatments, such as flattening, consolidation, strip lining, tear repair, or loose lining, may be preferred to preserve the original canvas.
One of the primary risks of relining is the potential loss of the original canvas and its associated artistic and historical value. Modern conservation practices emphasize the preservation of original materials whenever possible. Additionally, relining can be a complex and invasive process, and there may be alternative treatments available that cause less intervention to the artwork. The decision to reline should be made in consultation with conservation professionals who can assess the specific needs of the artwork and explore all available treatment options.
