TREATMENT OF A SALT IMPREGNATED WOODCUT BY E.L. KIRCHNERWeston Craigen
ABSTRACT—This paper describes the examination and subsequent treatment of Junkernboden, a woodcut printed in black and executed by E.L. Kirchner. The extremely deteriorated paper was permeated with a crystalline substance. The first phase of the project was to determine the composition of the crystalline material and the cause of the general deterioration of the paper. Use of the analytical methods X-ray diffractometry, polarizing microscopy, and emission spectrography yielded the information that sodium chloride crystals were present throughout the sheet. Several theories of their origin are discussed.The second aspect of the project was to devise a conservation treatment which would return the print to exhibitable condition. The method selected was to extract the sodium chloride crystals with wet blotters and then to line the weakened paper with Japanese tissue. The print was matted in such a way as to provide the sheet with additional support. It is now stored with other Kirchner prints in the Print Department of the Fogg Art Museum.
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