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Conservation Report
Artist: Pablo Picasso
Title: Deux Femmes Près de la Fenêtre
Date: 1959
Medium: Linocut on paper
Edition: Numbered and signed in pencil
Dimensions: 29.75 in × 24.5 in (sheet size)
Condition Report Prepared by: John Davis / Los Angeles Paper Group
Date: 8/8/2025
1. Summary Condition Assessment
The artwork is a signed and numbered linocut by Pablo Picasso. The sheet is structurally sound but exhibits moderate discoloration from prolonged contact with a non-archival mat, localized adhesive staining from four mounting hinges, and light surface soiling. The ink layer is stable with no signs of flaking or loss.
2. Detailed Condition Observations
A. Support (Paper Condition):
Paper Type: Wove paper, typical of Picasso’s linocuts from this period.
Surface: Stable and flat, no cockling or creasing.
Toning/Discoloration:
Noticeable mat burn corresponding to the window opening from a previous acidic mat.
Mild overall yellowing consistent with age and light exposure.
Stains:
Four adhesive stains at corners from mounting hinges, visible recto and verso.
Slight diffuse edge discoloration.
B. Hinges & Mounting:
Four hinges remain attached at verso edges.
Adhesive has caused localized staining and slight paper embrittlement at attachment points.
No mechanical damage from previous removal attempts.
C. Image Layer:
Ink is rich, saturated, and stable with no flaking, cracking, or lifting.
No evidence of retouching or overpainting.
Light surface soiling visible under raking light.
D. Verso Condition:
Strong image offset visible through the sheet due to paper translucency and heavy inking.
Graphite inscriptions at lower right verso are stable and legible.
Light surface dirt present along exposed edges.
3. Likely Causes of Damage
Extended display or storage in a non-archival frame and mat.
Light exposure leading to oxidation and mat burn.
Non-archival hinge adhesives causing localized staining.
4. Conservation Recommendations
A. Preventive Treatment:
Unframe under controlled conditions.
Carefully remove hinges and adhesive residues after solubility testing.
Dry surface clean recto and verso.
Aqueous washing and deacidification (if inks prove stable) to reduce mat burn and even paper tone.
Localized stain reduction for adhesive marks.
B. Remounting & Storage:
Use Japanese kozo paper hinges with wheat starch paste.
Reframe with 100% cotton rag mount board and UV-filtering glazing.
Maintain safe clearance between glazing and artwork.
C. Environmental Recommendations:
Display under <50 lux light levels, UV <75 µW/lm.
Stable RH at 45–55%, temperature ~20°C / 68°F.
5. Treatment Proposal & Estimated Timeframe
Proposed Steps:
Full photographic documentation.
Hinge and adhesive removal.
Dry surface cleaning.
Aqueous treatment and deacidification (if inks stable).
Local stain reduction.
Archival hinging and reframing.
Estimated Duration: 2–3 weeks, depending on solubility testing.
6. References & Notes
This impression corresponds to Baer 1284, printed in colors in an edition of 50, signed and dated in pencil by Picasso.
Condition issues are typical for examples that have been displayed for extended periods in acidic mounts. |
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