Restoration of two paintings from El Prado Museum

​

The first painting is an oil canvas by Ramón Bayeu, which represents a scene from bourgeois society in the area of San Francisco el Grande.

Photo of the Bayeu painting - before restoration

This tapestry was brought over from Spain in 1928 to decorate the Embassy Residence. The "boiserie" that was made at that time was smaller than the painting, which is why about 40 cm of the tapestry was folded, and has now appeared hidden behind the work.

Photo of the Bayeu painting - folded side of the painting

The restoration has entailed preventing the remaining paint from coming off. In addition, an oxidized varnish and old paint have been removed. Furthermore, the painting has been stuccoed and varnished.

Photo of the Bayeu painting – after restoration

The second painting is by Goya's disciple, Matías Téllez, and represents a young man offering charity aid.

Photo of the Téllez painting – before restoration

As was the case with the Bayeu painting, this work was also folded to adjust it to the size of the “boiserie”. In this case, the sky was hidden behind the painting.

Photo of the Téllez painting - box top

The restoration has been similar to the previous one, since there were multiple stains due to the folds generated during the time the canvas was stored. Thus, the paint has been restored, the back of the work has been stretched and cleaned, and the oxidized varnish has been removed. In addition, it has been stuccoed, reintegrated and varnished.

Photo of the Téllez painting – after restoration