Restaurabits

Secrets and other curiosities

Detalle de la pincelada de la obra de André Derain "El puente de Waterloo"

We revive artworks. Restoration as a challenge

Comparative detail of the restoration of the support of André Derain's “Waterloo Bridge”
Detalle comparativo de la restauración del soporte de la obra "El puente de Waterloo" de André Derain

Why is restoration such an important part of art heritage conservation? 

The support displayed structural damage, especially around the perimeter, where tears in the canvas could compromise the paint layer, causing flaking or craquelure. 

To guarantee the stability of the support and ensure the tautness of the canvas, the tears were stitched and the perimeter was reinforced, respecting the original materials. 

Restoration is one of the most important processes involved in the conservation and protection of heritage as it enables artworks to regain their integrity, threatened by the passage of time and other deterioration factors. Without appropriate restoration work, many pieces would suffer irreversible losses that undermine their artistic value. 

More restaurabits

Detail of the brushstroke of André Derain's “The Bridge of Waterloo” in raking light
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A mosaic of brushstrokes

Derain’s Waterloo Bridge is an ensemble of vivid colours applied in a sort of mosaic of loose brushstrokes that leave the canvas with its pale ground visible in places as an innovative pictorial device.
Detail of the english Winsor & Newton stamp, printed on the back of André Derain's “Waterloo Bridge”
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London or Paris? The origin of Derain’s painting

Derain painted Waterloo Bridge on a linen canvas, the back of which displays the stamp of the prestigious London brand Winsor & Newton. Its discovery during the technical study raised a question: did the artist paint the work in London, or did he take the canvas back with him to Paris and paint it there? 

 
Image with transmitted light of André Derain's “Waterloo Bridge”
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On the back of artworks

In this transmitted light image the reverse of the work lit from the front can be made out. It shows how the light shines through the picture and reveals the structure of the brushstrokes Derain used to compose the work. 

 
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