Mezzotints
present particularly fragile surfaces. They are easily abraded. These two
mezzotints after portraits by Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) illustrate the
problem, immediately below, and the treatment, below that.
This detail from the portrait of Joseph Banks shows
the result of creasing due to its faulty mount. The surface is scratched,
leaving lighter lines where the printing ink has actually been removed.
Size: 17¾" x 14"
The portrait of the Duchess
of Hamilton as a Bachante was removed from the mount and washed; creases
were flattened out, and the abrasions "toned down" with a wash (cf. Treatment
report).
The mezzotint A Bachante
was treated and properly stored (cf. following page for complete treatment
report). The mezzotint of Joseph Banks has not been treated.
John Raphael Smith, after Joshua
Reynolds,
A Bachante (Detail)
Mezzotint, 1789 (?).
10½" x 8¾"
see Conservator Elizabeth Coombs Leslie's
Condition and Treatment Report
for this print.
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