Our paintings conservator recently cleaned this portrait of Christopher Cranch by Frank Duveneck, removing lots and lots (and lots) of grimy soot to reveal the unfinished painting.  While the portrait was being treated, the deeply carved, gilded wood frame was also sent out for conservation, thanks to the Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Kinney, Jr. Endowment.  When the frame returned, Mr. Cranch was reunited with the luscious gold garland surround.  We’re pretty sure he’s contemplating which fruit to taste first!

Frank Duveneck (American, b. 1848, d. 1919); Head of Christopher P. Cranch, Study, c. 1889; oil on canvas; Gift of the artist; 1915.108