[NHCOLL-L:5337] Unrolling oil painting

[Laura Abraczinskas]

Hi,
I am posting this for Karen Cebra.  Please send replies to Karen.
Best,
Laura
 
Subject: Unrolling oil painting
 
I have acquired an oil painting created by an artist who painted scenes of
interest to those of us with interest in natural history. It was painted
sometime around 1905-1920 and was found rolled and inserted into a heavy
paper tube. It had been very carefully stored when it was first inserted
into the tube. I have dared to unroll it a tiny bit and can see that some
sort of paper was laid over the painting before it was rolled and placed in
the tube. Over the century it was stored, however, something must have been
weighing on the tube. Rather than a round tube, the tube has become a bit
flattened and the painting has as well. The painting holds this flattened
shape. Thus, I am fearful that, if I try to unroll it any further, I may do
damage to the paint and/or canvas itself.
 
Does anyone have any experience or suggestions? What can I do to unroll this
painting so that I can try to give it the attention it needs and bring it
back to life?
 
Thanking you in advance,
 
Karen Cebra
University of California at Davis
kcebra at nuclear.ucdavis.edu
 
Laura Abraczinskas, Collections Manager
Vertebrate Collections
Michigan State University Museum
West Circle Drive
East Lansing, Michigan  48824-1045
 
517/355-1290 Office Phone
517/432-2846 FAX
 
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