In Paintings Conservation, this 19^th century portrait by an anonymous artist, of Cincinnati brewer, Friedrich Billiods, was taken off the thick sheet of cardboard that it had been glued to probably 60 years ago.  The paintings conservator recently re-lined Friedrich Billiods to a piece of linen, which is a better secondary support, as well as more suited to the aesthetic qualities of the oil-on-canvas portrait.  In preparation for this treatment, she “faced,” or adhered a sheet of tissue paper to the surface.  Here the facing is being slowly removed after the re-lining is finished, exposing Friedrich’s dark watchful gaze. To see how Mr. Billiods started his transformation click here!

Image Credit:
American School, 1847-9,
Friedrich Billiods, 2013.166
oil on canvas
Gift of Cornelius Hauck