The National Gallery Pocket Guides series, beautifully illustrated from one of the greatest collections of Old Master paintings in the world, introduces central themes in the history of Western art. The philosophy of modern conservation is different from that of previous eras: the emphasis now is on long-term stabilization by methods that alter the structure of a painting as little as possible. Nevertheless, if paintings are obscured by discolored varnishes and old repaints, they are cleaned, and this has often led to anxiety and debate as long-admired images are transformed. This Guide discusses the material nature of paintings and the ways that they have changed, both naturally and at the hands of previous restorers, and it describes the main types of conservation treatment carried out on panel and canvas paintings and some of the complex issues involved in cleaning and restoration.
- ISBN10 1857091647
- ISBN13 9781857091649
- Publish Date 5 September 1997
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 13 May 2008
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint National Gallery Company Ltd
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 80
- Language English