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The Restoration
WHAT’S WRONG
Harvey Dunn’s painting Battleground was completed in 1923. Typical to many of Dunn’s paintings, the oil paint was applied very thick (up to 1” deep) on, what has been characterized as, a medium weight canvas. This canvas is not sturdy enough to provide adequate support for the size and weight of the painting. As a result, time has taken a toll on the painting. Overall, there are structural and cosmetic concerns needing to be addressed with the painting. Condition Report
Structural
The original canvas is failing to support the large heavy painting. The tension on the canvas is poor and surface distortions have developed. The canvas is tacked to a lightweight stretcher frame that is inadequate given the size and weight of the painting. The canvas used to tack the painting to the stretcher framed is very fragile and torn in some areas. Two previous repairs to the painting are separating from the canvas and are visible.
Cosmetic Condition
Two previous repairs (possibly by Harvey Dunn) to the painting are separating from the canvas and are visible. The surface grime and varnish is disfiguring and should be removed and painting re-varnished. Areas of loss paint are disfiguring and distracting.
Summary
In its present state, the painting cannot be safely handled or transported. The sheer weight of the paint exceeds the ability of the stretcher and canvas alone to provide adequate support. In time, the tacking margins will tear and the painting will begin to sag under its own weight. At present, it is very difficult to move, much less transport the painting without causing the canvas to trampoline. possibly resulting in additional cracks. Because the paint layers are so thick, the canvas can never be adequately tensioned.
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