Inscriptions on 17th century portrait

This is call for curatorial advice.  Discussions with one or more
curators is needed before a conservation response can be made.

The decision to remove an inscription is best left to the owner or
curator even it is graffiti.  This has been my course in the
treatment of murals, easel paintings and other 19th and 20th century
works. This also involves cases when the artist did not sign works
and a "signature" was put on by a family member, dealer or in some
cases is a stamp.  This does not preclude the conservator's
inclusion of analysis and documentation regarding inscriptions,
including recommendations, as part of condition reporting.

    Richard Trela,
    Sr. Paintings Conservator/Director
    Conservation Center
    Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
    WTAMU
    Box 60967
    Canyon TX 79016  or
    2503 4th Ave.
    Canyon TX 79016
    806-651-2241
    Fax: 806-651-2250
    rtrela [at] wtamu__edu

Richard Trela
Sr. Paintings Conservator/Director
Conservation Center
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
WTAMU


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:14
                 Distributed: Sunday, September 5, 2004
                       Message Id: cdl-18-14-030
                                  ***