We’ve had this painting by American Impressionist Theodore Robinson (1852–1896) listed for varnish removal for a while. That’s because curators and conservators know that Impressionist artists rarely varnished their paintings. The museum acquired this work, Road by the Mill, in 1924, only about 30 years after Robinson painted it. However, the glossy varnish does not appear to be a hundred years old, so it is likely that the painting was coated after it entered the collection.

Theodore Robinson (American, 1852–1896), Road by the Mill (before detail), 1892, oil on canvas, Gift of Alfred T. and Eugenia I Goshorn, 1924.70

We did know that the varnish had yellowed, but we had no idea just how much it had discolored.  Here’s a swab that cleaned a portion of the sky:

Theodore Robinson (American, 1852–1896), Road by the Mill (process detail), 1892, oil on canvas, Gift of Alfred T. and Eugenia I Goshorn, 1924.70

And here’s the painting on an easel with the varnish removed from the right half:

Theodore Robinson (American, 1852–1896), Road by the Mill (half complete detail), 1892, oil on canvas, Gift of Alfred T. and Eugenia I Goshorn, 1924.70

Cleaning reveals colors that are much cooler in tone and a paint surface that is matte.  The white ground layer, which is visible amid much of the brushwork, is noticeably brighter.

When the painting goes back on view in the museum, it will be behind glass to protect the unvarnished surface.