Structural Conservation of Paintings on Canvas SupportLaajuus (10 ECTS)

Objective

After the course the student knows the historical as well as modern (synthetic) materials and techniques used in conservation of canvas paintings and the history of their use. The student is able to assess the compatibility and suitability of modern materials and methods for different types of damages in canvas paintings and is able to understand the benefits and also the risks of these materials and methods when working with different conservation-restoration problems.

After the course the student is able to choose and use different suitable traditional and modern materials, methods and equipment for solving conservation-restoration problems, related to canvas paintings so that the result is both aesthetically and ethically acceptable.

Content

Students get to know both in theory and practice the traditional and modern conservation methods, materials (also synthetic) and techniques used in conservation of canvas paintings.
Also natural materials used in modern conservation methods will be taught.
The recent history in conservation materials and techniques, used in the case of canvas paintings will be taught in theory and students are required to independently read the course-related literature, indicated by the teachers.

The course includes the sub-sections Documentation of Paintings on Canvas Support and the Historical Lining Techniques as well.

During the course students will learn about different suction techniques used in paintings conservation (suction table, mini suction table, low pressure envelope), humidity treatments, repair of tears and cuts, consolidation treatments, filling materials, isolation of the fillings, and creation of the surface structure.

The course consists of theory part accompanied by a large amount of practical conservation - restoration work. It is the most important course in conservation of canvas paintings during the 4-year study period.

Microscopic analysis of textile fibers as well as preparing paint cross sections and their microscopic analysis are also part of the course.

Qualifications

Previous courses in Chemistry and Pigments, Analytical Photography as well as all the previous conservation courses

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student has often been absent from the teaching sessions. Activity during the teaching sessions and rehearsals has been unsatisfactory. The student has problems in acting as a group member. The capacity to formulate relevant problems associated with the structural conservation of paintings on canvas support is limited and the student has problems to apply theoretical studies to practical work. The reasoning in the rehearsal tasks is weak and the student has many gaps in his/her knowledge.
The student does not work independently and needs a lot of further guidance from the teacher. The student has not given enough attention to the subject, and he/she does not have a clear overall understanding of the subject.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student has taken part in all teaching sessions and projects and his/her activity on the course has been good. The student acts flexibly as a group member.
The studies have proceeded consistently. The student is able to understand the basic topics and problem areas of the structural conservation of paintings on canvas support and is able to apply the theoretical studies to practical work with good results. The reasoning of the rehearsal tasks is mostly valid and the student understands the causes and effects of one's choices in the tasks.
The student works independently but there is still some need for further guidance from the teacher. The student has given enough attention for the subject and has an overall understanding of the subject.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has achieved the course objectives fully. The student has taken actively and constructively part in the teaching and the project. The student’s actions enhance the group activities.
The student masters the topics of the structural conservation of paintings on canvas supportand its prerequisites, and is able to apply theoretical studies to practical work with very good results. The reasoning in the rehearsal tasks is professional and the student can validate the causes and effects of his/her choices.
The student works independently. The student masters the overall subject in both theory and practice.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student has often been absent from the teaching sessions. Activity during the teaching sessions and rehearsals has been unsatisfactory. The student has problems in acting as a group member. The capacity to formulate relevant problems associated with the structural conservation of paintings on canvas support is limited and the student has problems to apply theoretical studies to practical work. The reasoning in the rehearsal tasks is weak and the student has many gaps in his/her knowledge.
The student does not work independently and needs a lot of further guidance from the teacher. The student has not given enough attention to the subject, and he/she does not have a clear overall understanding of the subject.

Further information

Lectures, practical conservation-restoration work, essay and a written exam based on course material.