Surface restoration

Surface restoration is underway and will be completed in November, 2024

Before the surface restoration, the paintings conservators stated: ”The painting is covered by a very thick darkened and oxidized dammar varnish which is partially blanched and obscures the overall look of the painting. It has been partially overpainted and has many darkened and discolored retouches. The varnish and the retouches result in a difficulty to fully see the painting.”

Meeting with the paintings conservator

We have visited the paintings conservator to begin the journey of the surface restoration. To get an idea of the size and complexity of the project the conservator needed to test clean the surface on a few places. The result was exciting, for example, one can now see an original leaf in the laurel wreath and also individual strands of hair in the eyebrow, but the most important revelation was the artistic quality evident in Domitian’s face: the skin’s smooth transition from light to shadow.

A light blue grey color was revealed after the old varnish was partially removed on a small area of Domitian’s cuirass.
Photomicrograph of the partially cleaned area. The brownish colored varnish is still present on top of the light blue grey color. Pigments visible in the image are: Orange/yellow, blue, red, green and white. We have not yet been able to identify the blue pigments in this area.
Before cleaning of the area inside the grey square on Domitian’s face.
After cleaning of the area inside the grey square. Notice the skin’s smooth transition from light to shadow.
Research overview

Roman emperor Domitian, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Tizian, Tiziano Vecellio, Roman emperors, Eleven Caesars, Undici Cesari, Domitianus, Isabella d’Este, Federico II Gonzaga, Mantova, Mantua, Italy, Francis I, Amboise France, Charles I England.